The Lional Messi Thread

[DYC. 7,542]

Top English Premier League TV pundit and journalist Andy Gray has sensationally remarked that Barcelona's World Player of the Year Lionel Messi would struggle to cope with the rigours of the English Premier League, and believes he could not cut it away at Stoke City.

The Sky Sports host, who enjoyed spells with Aston Villa and Everton during his playing career, was discussing the 2010 Ballon d’Or nominees during Monday evening’s broadcast of Manchester City versus Everton.

When asked by co-presenter Richard Keys whether he felt Messi and Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo would be capable of scoring so prolifically in England, Gray stated his belief that the Argentine would "struggle in a cold night at the Britiannia Stadium", referring to the home of top-flight side Stoke City. He added that "Barcelona would struggle in the EPL as they've never played the likes of Stoke."

The 55-year-old also claimed that La Liga, when compared to its English equivalent, did not have the same depth of quality, hinting that Ronaldo and Messi would labour to score as consistently, despite the former scoring 31 goals in 34 matches for Manchester United in the 2007-08 season.

Furthermore, on Ronaldo, Gray criticised the decision to omit the Portuguese from the final of the Ballon d’Or, but added that he "would not be the player that he is today had he not played in English Football".

Gray's remarks have caused quite a stir around the world, and the SKY pundit has been heavily criticised on social networking sites such as facebook and twitter.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

More sh*t from Gray, nothing unusual

[zolayes 14,489]

More sh*t from Gray, nothing unusual

the tosser is in love with his own voice and his clever gadgets ....hate his commentaries ,,ignore his analysis ....know all who would fail as a manager.....

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Well to be fair Messi does go down at the slightest touch, don't know how he would cope from a full bloddied tackle from someone Huth or Shawcross.

[DYC. 7,542]

Well to be fair Messi does go down at the slightest touch, don't know how he would cope from a full bloddied tackle from someone Huth or Shawcross.

Don't agree with you on that comment. Messi puts up pretty good fight and doesn't go down easily at all.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Don't agree with you on that comment. Messi puts up pretty good fight and doesn't go down easily at all.

Well put it this way if he does go down he tends to exaggerate it by doing 8 rolls around the pitch.

[zolayes 14,489]

Well put it this way if he does go down he tends to exaggerate it by doing 8 rolls around the pitch.

as the song goes "its not unusual" Messi is pure class imagine the penalties he would get and the red cards for opposition

[Madmax 9,219]

Andy Gray : "Messi can't cut it as a footballer in England."

Madmax : "Andy Gray can't cut it as a commentator anywhere."

[DYC. 7,542]

Well put it this way if he does go down he tends to exaggerate it by doing 8 rolls around the pitch.

Hmm can't say i ever saw him doing that too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sJhh-YcvbU&feature=player_embedded#!

[Peace. 4,352]

Plus he has broken Maicon's nose lool

[Kostas 1,468]

Hmm can't say i ever saw him doing that too.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Hmm can't say i ever saw him doing that too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sJhh-YcvbU&feature=player_embedded#!

you can't use YouTube videos in an issue like this..

[DYC. 7,542]

Haha touché.

He doesn't do it regularly though and i meant world-class Messi, not very young Messi .

Btw very stupid move by Del Horno, no intention to go for the ball at all

[DYC. 7,542]

you can't use YouTube videos in an issue like this..

I know. But i just wanted to point out Messi being known for not going down so easily with a example.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I know. But i just wanted to point out Messi being known for not going down so easily with a example.

Fair enough... Let's hope he doesn't pick it up later on though.

[coolhead23 1,147]

For every football fan, this is worth 15 mins of your life.

Amazing player, what he does at times is just magical, great interplay from the other players around him but the finishing is just divine. Is he the God of Football in recent times? <Atleast he plays in God mode>

All of Messi's goals in the season 10 - 11. You got to check it to believe it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=poDn59tjNVM

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Speaking as an Atheist.. No

Certainly is one of the greats of modern football though. He's only 23.. A possible decade more of greatness to come. #wearefucked.

[bababoom 4,478]

Messi is the best player in the world in my opinion, he is likable, humble and not a little girl who moans and play acts like Ronaldo for example.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Any young player can be like Messi if they want to. It takes hard work & constant practice. The level Messi plays is attainable by any player, if they're willing to work at it everyday.

[coolhead23 1,147]

Any young player can be like Messi if they want to. It takes hard work & constant practice. The level Messi plays is attainable by any player, if they're willing to work at it everyday.

Thats not entirely true, Messi has got some amazing talent. He is a perfect example of someone using his potential to the fullest though i m scared to say that there is more of him to come. Not many are born with talent like him.