All About Messi

A few untold things about Messi.

Speaking of sensational, phenomenal and charismatic footballers of present time, our mind itself recalls a few names. Yes, Lionel Messi is one of those names. The twenty-four year old Argentine showstopper, who is the winner of FIFA Ballon d’Or (2010) and the Ballon d’Or (2009), has once again been nominated for FIFA Ballon d’Or (2011). As a matter of fact; it would take a while to reckon all his achievements. A number of people have already named him before players like Pele or Maradona as well. But only having a brilliant skill of dribbling or awesome speed obviously does not make him one of the bests. Then what has made him Lionel Messi? What could be the key to his great success?

    Some say it is because of his ‘super fitness’, while others say it is his smaller body structure. It has also been found in an English newspaper saying that, the top-secret behind his magical playing is his flexible waist. But whatever the cause is, I would opine that the secret is he. He is now Lionel Messi because he wanted to be. His playing proves his passion for football and the love he has for it, that knows no bounds. Players like him also send a message to the football world that ‘Play it only if you love it, don’t just make it a way of earning reputation or a great deal of money.’

When we look at Messi’s both club and international career, we see some differences in his performance. In fact, his performance is mostly admired when he is playing for Barcelona rather than for Argentina. Although he tries to play equally for both sides, he usually finds comfort as a player of Barcelona. Some say that he prefers playing in Barcelona to Argentina. But if it is the truth, then he would have never been given a chance to play for the international squad only at the age of nineteen. We get comfortable when we sleep on couch. But is it more comfortable than sleeping on a bed? Definitely the answer would be no. Similarly, Messi finds it comfortable playing with the Argentine midfielders such as Mascherano, Gago or Pastore but he gets it the most when he is playing with Barça midfielders like Xavi or Iniesta. Many a time the Argentine midfielders are seen to fail to make successful passes but the same cannot be said for their Catalan counterparts. The fact is natural. The team chemistry cannot be the same in club and in international stage. That’s because an international squad can play up to two or three matches a month (unless there is any international tournament is held), whereas the squad of a club can get the opportunity to play eight to ten matches within a month. The more they play, the stronger the understanding gets among the players. According to me, this is why we see a variation of play between the Messi of Argentina and the Messi of Barcelona. Not only Messi but also many other players face the same problem. But they should not be frustrated much by such a trifling but serious matter. They must carry on playing the way they play. It is, within a matter of time, possible to get rid of this trouble. And that is why most of the international squad includes a bit aged or veteran players as they have been doing the international job for a long time.

Author's Note

The writing is based only on my own experience.

Reviews

[~Dragon X]

It was a very interesting read. It sounds a lot like the things I would be reading in newspapers. While reading about the topic of sports doesn't exactly picque my interest, I bet football fans would love getting their hands on this. I agree with Shahriyer--it would be a good idea to end the topic about Messi since it began initially with him. Other than that minor issue, you did a great job! ;D

[fireblossom]

This feels like an editorial piece found on the sports page of a newspaper or a sports blog. Well done. I especially like the illustration of couch vs. bed.

As an American I heard your 'accent'. Let me give you some examples. Keep in mind that American English is my first language. I also have an ear for Canadian and British English. What I will show you would need to be edited before being published for the US audience:

our mind itself recalls a few names - we can recall a few

it would take a while to reckon all his achievements - British English - his list of awards and achievements is legendary - American English

one of the bests - drop the 's'

It has also been found in an English newspaper saying that - One English newspaper said that...

Many a time the Argentine midfielders are seen to fail to make successful passes but the Catalan midfielders are barely seen to make a wrong pass. - Argentine midfielders often fail to make successful passes. The same cannot be said for their Catalan counterparts...

Don't get me wrong, I think your piece as written shows passion and depth. It makes a clear point. The spirit of WC is to improve one another through suggestion and critique. I hope my little submission will illustrate the differences in various forms of English.

Keep up the good work.

[Parashar]

AS I AM A FOLLOWER OF REAL MADRID..................... BUT STILL YOU WROTE WELL

[Minnie]

You did awesome! ;)

[RainQueen]

Nice write. Even though I hate sports, I found myself drawn in by your description of this athlete. Your style was clean and informative. Very nice! Thanks for letting me read it!