Time for Messi to deliver on biggest stage of all
Thursday, 27 May 2010
PARIS, May 26 (AFP): After he destroyed Arsenal with a four-goal salvo in the Champions League, the world's best footballer reverted to type and scurried shyly from the scene to escape the welter of eulogies which rained down in his wake.
Lionel Messi had, not for the first time at club level, delivered. If the diminutive genius they call the "atomic flea" had spiked the Gunners with a full catalogue of mazy runs and dribbles and rapier accuracy, he also knows how to use his head - as Manchester United can testify after the Argentine nodded the clincher in the 2009 Champions League final.
Add the fact that this is the irrepressible fulcrum of a Barcelona side which lifted a staggering six trophies last season and the image of the complete footballer comes into sharp focus.
He may be too self-effacing to wish to do so, but, at club level Messi has nothing to fear should he ever be required to respond to the challenge "show us your medals." His personal trophy cabinet is creaking from the last 12 months alone - despite the failuire to retain the Champions League - and former Barca coach Johan Cruyff says such graceful talent cannot be taught but is innate.
Lionel Messi had, not for the first time at club level, delivered. If the diminutive genius they call the "atomic flea" had spiked the Gunners with a full catalogue of mazy runs and dribbles and rapier accuracy, he also knows how to use his head - as Manchester United can testify after the Argentine nodded the clincher in the 2009 Champions League final.
Add the fact that this is the irrepressible fulcrum of a Barcelona side which lifted a staggering six trophies last season and the image of the complete footballer comes into sharp focus.
He may be too self-effacing to wish to do so, but, at club level Messi has nothing to fear should he ever be required to respond to the challenge "show us your medals." His personal trophy cabinet is creaking from the last 12 months alone - despite the failuire to retain the Champions League - and former Barca coach Johan Cruyff says such graceful talent cannot be taught but is innate.