just writes his own scripts
https://twitter.com/TheAthletic/status/ ... 57441?s=20

Things you love to see. The best of my generation.

I read a piece yesterday saying he’s not happy about playing on artificial pitches.
Every team in the league should be getting them laid right now.
Anything to put him off his best. The guys just too good.

The best footballer of all time and imo the most gifted sportsman of all time. Will always feel privileged to have witnessed him play.

By far the greatest player of my generation

done it again, 8 minutes into the second game he's scored again. He could probably play in America when he's 45

Up there with Ronaldo but shame he never got to play in the EPL would of been interesting to see how that went.

I only just learnt that he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder as a child. Makes his achievements all the more impressive

He won’t have it so easy next game

He’ll be against Westy and Arfield

JohnDearyMe wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:35 am

I only just learnt that he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder as a child. Makes his achievements all the more impressive

He moved to Barcelona as they would pay for his treatment

An incredible talent. Very reminiscent of the great Pele.

The best ever.

Were we expecting anything else, in a league where Bradley Wright Philips was a top goal scorer?

One of the greatest but MLS is a walk in the park, let’s be honest.

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 26, 2023 9:40 am

Were we expecting anything else, in a league where Shaun Wright Philips was a top goal scorer?

One of the greatest but MLS is a walk in the park, let’s be honest.

Bradley

Raggus wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 26, 2023 9:41 am

Bradley

Him too

JohnDearyMe wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:35 am

I only just learnt that he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder as a child. Makes his achievements all the more impressive

That was one of the reasons he signed for Barcelona, as a boy. They sorted all that.

Most decorated footballer in history, just won his 44th title

Vegas Claret wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:48 am

Most decorated footballer in history, just won his 44th title

Unbelievable goal too, regardless of what people believe the standard of football to be in the MLS, when sticking it in the top corner in that fashion, it doesn't matter who is in goal.

Loads has been said about the Messi effect, and having pals Busquets and Jordi Alba knocking around isn't going to harm your chances, but a lot of credit must go to the manager Tata Martino who took over from Phil Neville around the same time as Messi's arrival. He knows the league, the players and following his success with Atlanta United, is continuing his impressive record

ClaretFelix wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:31 am

Unbelievable goal too, regardless of what people believe the standard of football to be in the MLS, when sticking it in the top corner in that fashion, it doesn't matter who is in goal.

Loads has been said about the Messi effect, and having pals Busquets and Jordi Alba knocking around isn't going to harm your chances, but a lot of credit must go to the manager Tata Martino who took over from Phil Neville around the same time as Messi's arrival. He knows the league, the players and following his success with Atlanta United, is continuing his impressive record

indeed ! Goal here if anyone is interested
https://twitter.com/Football__Tweet/sta ... 99533?s=20

He’s almost at Manuel Benson level

Best player of all time

4midable wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 8:40 am

Best player of all time

It's a bit early for that - he's only had one good season in the Championship.

Pickles wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 26, 2023 8:46 am

The best ever.

Who never played in the best league in the World.. Hmm

Lip wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 9:14 am

Who never played in the best league in the World.. Hmm

He played in it for several years. La liga was ahead of the Premier League at that time.

BleedingClaret wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 8:02 am

He’s almost at Manuel Benson level

Very similar to Bensons goal vs Dundee actually!

JohnDearyMe wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:35 am

I only just learnt that he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder as a child. Makes his achievements all the more impressive

In no way is the technical ability of Messi under any doubt but part of me wonders if his condition and resulting treatment actually made him the player he is?

He's remarkably strong on the ball.

We're not going to get a conclusive answer and it's merely hypothetical musings.

Flat track bully.
Not a patch on Ronaldo.

Disagree. I could apply your remarks the other way round but I'm just grateful to have witnessed two great players.

Rowls wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:36 am

In no way is the technical ability of Messi under any doubt but part of me wonders if his condition and resulting treatment actually made him the player he is?

He's remarkably strong on the ball.

We're not going to get a conclusive answer and it's merely hypothetical musings.

I’ve always had the same suspicions (based on absolutely nothing).

Superb player and like many stars of the age Zlatan/Rooney/Beckham et al he’s wrapping up in the Sunday league esque MLS . A real shame he didn’t play in the EPL /Serie A or similar as he struggled somewhat at PSG. The only modern player who would be something like a George Best if playing in the modern ( superb pitches , fitness ,conditioning etc)

CaptainKirk wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:40 am

Flat track bully.
Not a patch on Ronaldo.

If you really think Ronaldo is better than messi, not only are you wrong you have no soul. Ronaldo is a supreme athlete, messi is a pure footballer.

Technically nobody comes close other than Maradona

Greatest ever for me, I’m glad he can spend his final years building the game in the US

When we debate how some of the greatest players from the past would fare in today's game, Messi would have been great in any era.

No Ney Never wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 11:35 am

When we debate how some of the greatest players from the past would fare in today's game, Messi would have been great in any era.

Simply, he’s a genius.

Both he and Ronaldo have been amazing. Both obviously born with an amazing talent but for me, Messi is the most naturally gifted footballer of all time.

Given the choice of watching one or the other, I’d pick Messi each and every time.

DCWat wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 11:42 am

Simply, he’s a genius.

Both he and Ronaldo have been amazing. Both obviously born with an amazing talent but for me, Messi is the most naturally gifted footballer of all time.

Given the choice of watching one or the other, I’d pick Messi each and every time.

There's footage of Messi when he was a child, he was born with it.

No Ney Never wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 11:49 am

There's footage of Messi when he was a child, he was born with it.

Yes, seen a bit of it on the Messi documentary. What he was doing with a football, at such a young age, was ridiculous.

Messi undoubtedly the most naturally gifted player of my lifetime, but only ever really did it in Spain where you get time and space to be a silky technical player.

Ronaldo did it in several different leagues and could drag others up around him.

I prefer watching Ronaldo personally

The Messi vs Ronaldo debate is really dumb.

Both unbelievable players, possibly the two greatest ever.

Lip wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 9:14 am

Who never played in the best league in the World.. Hmm

You mean the Prem right?

He's the best ever. Messi in the 00s/10s would've scored hatfuls in the Prem, he'd still score a fair few now.

The pass he played in that 1-2 to score his first league goal was ridiculous.

Lip wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 20, 2023 9:14 am

Who never played in the best league in the World.. Hmm

I'm sure he scored something like 30 goals in 35 games against English clubs in the Champions League, but sure, he'd definitely struggle against Wolves and Crystal Palace

SalouClaret wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 27, 2023 7:38 am

I'm sure he scored something like 30 goals in 35 games against English clubs in the Champions League, but sure, he'd definitely struggle against Wolves and Crystal Palace

Not just his goals either. He would have an absolute hatful of assists. His appreciation of space and his passing are better than most of the best midfielders to ever play the game.