Is Lionel Messi the new Maradona? It’s no longing stupid to think so. There have been so many so-called Maradona’s in the past, but Messi could be the real deal. He’s seems to getting better as each week passes. The highlight reels of the speedy Argentine keep pouring out of Spain.
The Barcelona striker is leaving commentators, critics and fans, gasping for the right adjective to describe his sensational play. Let’s just make-do with brilliant for the time being. Messi scored a hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Zaragoza on Sunday. It was one of the finest displays of soccer we’ve seen in a long time. In March alone, he has now scored back-to-back hat-ticks against Valencia and Zaragoza. Not to mention the two goals against Stuttgart in the middle of last week.
Messi is leaving opposing defenders stuck in the dirt. His dribbling skills are phenomenal, reminding us of Georgie Best in his heyday.
Messi surely does belongs in the same category of Pele, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo. The amazing thing is, he’s still only 22-years-old.
If Messi has a good World Cup this summer with Argentina - reaching the semifinals or beyond - he will easily stand alongside his countryman, Maradona, as one of the world’s greats. And suddenly, Argentina are looking like favorites to win the World Cup on the back of Messi alone.
Look at what at what Messi has already done at Barcelona: two Champions League titles, three Spanish League titles, a Spanish Cup medal, three Spanish Supercups, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA World Club Cup. He’s scored 79 in 133 league games for the Spanish giants, along with 38 assists. He has also won an Olympic Gold Medal with Argentina in 2008.
Now we can only wait till March 31 when Barcelona visit Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Will Barcelona’s talisman be stifled by the stylish London club, or will he strike fear into the hearts of English fans. For the moment, Messi is the hottest thing going in the world of soccer, reminding us all why we love the “beautiful game”.
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