Atlas Lion

I'm agreeing with you so no need to direct it as an argument. And for his standards, he was below average.

It was ever so blatant he was saving himself for the world cup, hence the growing anxiety, and he was tormented by the media for it. Last season, Messi's body language and work rate were dreadful in that sense, but this season (I watched every barca game to see how Munir El Haddadi is performing) he's been looking like his former self.

I could literally give two flying fucks about Barca fans in all honesty as the majority of them on those forums have started supporting them post 2009. Messi hasn't been the same for a couple years due to injury and anxiety of obvious reasons, but this season he looks to have picked up the form. Having a better season doesn't necessarily mean they are the better player. That's like saying Cannavaro in 2006 was the best footballer in the world. You have to interpret and analyze both of their abilities to create a rational judgement, and as a footballer, Ronaldo doesn't reach Messi's level.

Didn't help Mikel wasn't goal side of his marker.

What are you on about? Messi in 2009 managed to scrap up 30 goals a season, whereas now in his best years 2010-2013 he managed to score 60 goals a season and 93 in a calender year. Ronaldo's main benefit is his scoring ability and his historic CL goal scoring record, but here is another variable, last season was Messi's worst season in a Barca shirt since 2007 and Ronaldo's best in a Real Madrid shirt, yet statistically Ronaldo barely edged him. That's saying something.

He's been the best LB in the world for a couple years now for a reason

Until he faces us

If you understand them they can be rather exciting, but for a language you have no natural tongue in I can understand how they would be irritating

Has to be said, Mikel has looked lively this season so far.

In 2008

The balloon d'ors?

Thiago spent 5 years under Brazilian Soil and 10 years in Spanish soil. Thiago Motta wasn't shunned by Costa, I was speaking of a manager that goes by the name of Filipe Scolari. He was rarely preferred due to injuries or Scolari never having faith in him due to having duel citizenship and questioning his allegiance to his Italian ancestory. Pepe and Deco both had obligations to play for Portugal due to legal reasons under their approved citizenship's. Unlike Cameronasi who is first generation Argentinian, Messi's roots settled in Argentina in the late 1800's so any ties towards Europe to him matter at the slightest.

Thiago was born in Italy and raised in Spain, Diego Costa and Thiago Motta were shunned by Scolari during both his spells with Brazil, whilst Pepe and Deco both had obligations to play for the Portuguese national team after obtaining citizenship. All of which do not relate to Messi's allegiance to his home country when speaking of true nationalism and passion, only Camoranesi the exception. (Avoiding the fact that he already had strong ties to Italy due to his first generation upbringing)

Are we seriously speaking of this? South Americans are truly passionate for their country

He hasn't been the same since 2012 but that comment is quite a poor one considering the amount of times he has won Barca games by the stretch of his fingers, whether individually or involving everyone. Against Real Madrid for example, assists and scores bag loads against them these past couple years. Barca fans will also tell you how no body else presses like they used to, not just Messi. And the fact that Xavi has declined tremendously after Pep has left and the defense has turned to shit. This season however isn't the case, Messi looks to be coming to his regular best and the team is ticking together.

Speaking of passing, could literally watch this all day.

Their squad is a mess of unbalanced talent that in no way complement one another.

How is he the 'most complete' when he's a well known big game bottler? Not in the slightest.

How is doing pointless step overs whilst going nowhere making people look stupid? Messi has made defences and players look like proper mugs literally every game due to his ball control, balance, and speed. This debate is so bizarre considering there are individuals who still feel C.Ronaldo is in some way a better footballer.

Well, if you look at the variables. Messi suffered from anxiety for almost 2 years now, those factors were obviously Tito's death and the pressure of the world cup on his shoulders. Not to mention he had that hamstring injury he suffered in 2012 and hasn't looked the same pace wise. This season however, he's been class, looking like his old self once more.

Gary Neville is a top class bloke.

After 2 games.

A con because he serves loyal to his nurtured club? (aside Newell's) Even better, Messi's won the sixtuplet

Bring on Bolton

Dave played well tbf