Leo Messi

[SpaceCruiser]

Well, I hope he fails at the world cup.

[readingbedding]

So do I, but we won't have choice if he's good enough.

[Compo's Hat]

He's no Maradona as yet, but he has years on his side, he's currently the best player in the world and he's the best by some margin.

Needs a fantastic WC, maybe 2 to enter the top, top players bracket.

From The Times email today

We ask: After his performance against Arsenal, Lionel Messi has been lauded as the best player in the world, but will he be able to lead Argentina to World Cup glory this summer?

Nick Szczepanik replies: "Immediately after his five-star performance against Arsenal, the Argentina wizard was being compared to Pele and Diego Maradona. Both those greats were able to validate their standing in world football by inspiring their national teams to victory in a World Cup, and, as luck would have it, Messi has a chance to crown this season’s achievements at the World Cup in South Africa.

"If one man can make the difference, then he appears to be that man on present form, but in fact there are at least ten others upon whose contribution he must depend. Maradona is sometimes credited with single-handedly securing the 1986 victory for Argentina – literally, in the case of his first "goal" in the 2-1 victory over England. But he was ably supported by Jorge Valdano, Jorge Burruchaga, Oscar Ruggeri and the rest.

"And Pele, of course, was only one of a constellation of stars in the Brazil teams of 1958 and 1970.

"So what sort of back-up can Messi count on in South Africa? The good news for Messi is that the present Argentina squad, ranked ninth in the world, is blessed with plenty of skilful players - Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano - and a decent sprinkling of members of successful club squads - Walter Samuel and Diego Milito of Inter Milan, Martin Demichelis of Bayern Munch and Nicolas Burdisso of AS Roma.

"But unfortunately, it is coached by Diego Maradona, who almost managed to mismanage a squad full of potential out of the competition entirely, never picking the same team twice and making capricious and illogical selections.

"Recent results in friendlies against top teams such as Spain and Germany, suggest he may have settled down, listened to wise voices in his ear rather than the ones in his head, and seen sense – but don’t bet on it. How ironic it will be if Messi’s bid to join the pantheon of football greats this summer is fatally undermined by one of its founder members?"

[Hugo Boss]

Don't think anyone can deny that was a fantastic performance last night from Messi. Pace, superb touch, brilliant finishing... the lot.

The one thing I like most about him though is his reluctance to go down under challenges, something with Ronaldo could do with learning a thing or two from.

[SpaceCruiser]

Don't think anyone can deny that was a fantastic performance last night from Messi. Pace, superb touch, brilliant finishing... the lot.

The one thing I like most about him though is his reluctance to go down under challenges, something with Ronaldo could do with learning a thing or two from.

That's strange, I think I've seen him do some diving against Chelsea a while back and got a player sent off. Admittedly, I don't know if he's cleaned up his act this season as I've not watched any of his games.

[Row Z Royal]

Don't think anyone can deny that was a fantastic performance last night from Messi. Pace, superb touch, brilliant finishing... the lot.

The one thing I like most about him though is his reluctance to go down under challenges, something with Ronaldo could do with learning a thing or two from.

'greed on this. I criticised the Barca players to a Barca Luvvie last night and he cited the series of tackles that Messi rode before being toppled by the good one as my sour grapes.

The point is that he stays on his feet to score those amazing goals where lesser players would go down. I think he's a very honest player.

[BReal]

hes no glen little tbf

[Smoking Kills Dancing Doe]

Ronaldo dives, Messi and Rooney go down a little easy.

Well according to the media anyway....

I remember yelling at Blakey to pass it!!

[Compo's Hat]

hes no glen little tbf

[BR2]

Well, I hope he fails at the world cup.

Why?
Surely the World Cup finals are for us to see most of the better players in world football and Messi is the best of those better players.