A name that sums up an entire destiny. You cannot bear such a name unless an exceptional career accompanies it. Yes, whatever one may say and beyond all statistics, it is undeniable that the Argentine is currently the best player in the world. He has proven it on every field on Earth with divine skill. Maradona had the hand of God, Messi has two feet.
Naturally left-handed, many thought he only used his right foot to stand, but he proved otherwise by delivering the ball to Latauro's head with drone-like precision for Argentina's winning goal against England in the semi-final. With fifteen minutes remaining, the situation looked dire for the Albiceleste, trailing 0-1 to the Three Lions. Messi came as savior with two assists that completely changed the match's outcome. A true maestro controlling every note, a Picasso drawing with his feet, a genius, simply.
He doesn't just play with his feet; he thinks faster than light, sees faster than the peregrine falcon (129 frames per second) or the dragonfly (300 frames per second). When human visual speed doesn't exceed sixty frames per second, you realize his capabilities that allow him to place the ball wherever he wants. Every goal is a delight, every pass a recital.
Despite his small stature, Messi is elusive. He has nothing to envy from Usain Bolt and dribbles as well as Maradona. And he has scored several headers thanks to his intelligence and game reading that position him perfectly.
And to think he wanted to retire from international football ten years ago, disheartened by a decade of failures with Argentina. The Argentines managed to dissuade him, and at 39, he played in his second consecutive World Cup final. Whatever the result, Messi will have been a unique phenomenon in football. There was Pelé, Cruijff, Maradona, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Romário, Cristiano, Zidane... but Messi is unique and Messi... unique. And if there is only one God, it's probably him.
Sylvain Ranjalahy