Messi is out of this world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4dD5ZZd9tA&NR=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These clips are Ronaldo givin' Nesta a nightmare in the game, and also of Nesta 'dealing' with Ronaldo in not so legal ways, and a couple of good tackles, I'll admit.

Once again, that video proves that Nesta was the only defender there that was able to live with Ronaldo.

Thing I've noticed when I've seen old footage of Pele is that he drops off and plays quite deep. A playmaker aswell as a goal scorer. Before I saw much of him I always assumed he was an out-and-out centre forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4dD5ZZd9tA&NR=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These clips are Ronaldo givin' Nesta a nightmare in the game, and also of Nesta 'dealing' with Ronaldo in not so legal ways, and a couple of good tackles, I'll admit.

Once again, that video proves that Nesta was the only defender there that was able to live with Ronaldo.

He lived with him, but a couple of times he's was pretty behind on the rent.

Two things:

- I haven't seen enough of Pele to compare him with Ronaldo, but Ronaldo is the greatest player I've seen in my lifetime.

- Nesta did manage to deal with Ronaldo pretty well in that game, but then again, Nesta is the best defender I've seen in my lifetime (although Maldini runs him close). Him and Ronaldo were masters of their craft.

Thing I've noticed when I've seen old footage of Pele is that he drops off and plays quite deep. A playmaker aswell as a goal scorer. Before I saw much of him I always assumed he was an out-and-out centre forward.

Zidane and Henry roled into one.

Seriously, there is no way Maradona is unequivocally better than Pele. The Brazilian was the most complete player in the history of the game. There is literally nothing he couldn't do. It's mightily close between them and Pele is just as good as the reputation that precedes him. He also scored the greatest ever goal that was never captured on film. There is a re-enactment of it but I doubt it'll go down well with his critics. He is probably the most cheekiest player I've seen on the ball.

pele is massively overrated. He's famous for missing that open goal in the world cup

Thing I've noticed when I've seen old footage of Pele is that he drops off and plays quite deep. A playmaker aswell as a goal scorer. Before I saw much of him I always assumed he was an out-and-out centre forward.

There are so many misconceptions about Pele which get extinguished the moment you watch him in prolonged action. People have even gone to the extent of discrediting the Brazilian league, seeing that they couldn't find a hole in his game. I'd suggest that they watched some of Santos games against the European Champions of the day, simply breathtaking is all I would say.

SHAT IT, DULESY.

I wonder if Messi will become a complete circus-freak like Pele, Maradona, and Zidane (to name a few), when he's done.

I wouldn’t put Zidane in the circus-freak category…
Why do you say that Anthony?

I wonder if Messi will become a complete circus-freak like Pele, Maradona, and Zidane (to name a few), when he's done.

Seems a very grounded, level-headed individual to me.

Pele's shown what an idiot he is with his stupid remarks. Obviously bitter, or something. What a stupid, pointless thing to say.

From the beeb gossip column

You guys heard of Javi Martinez? Lost amongst all the Messi noise in the last week is this goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDwGR0eC_aU#t=4m07s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If Messi had scored this, we'd never hear the end of it.

Oh, and btw, Barca's best player is Xavi

That goal is ridiculous.

Messi will be greater than the rest because he's so level headed and humble IMO. He's going to be going for the next 10 years and I really don't think he's peaked yet. He's just going to keep getting better and keep working very hard to be the greatest. I just don't see him having a "downfall"...

You guys heard of Javi Martinez? Lost amongst all the Messi noise in the last week is this goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDwGR0eC_aU#t=4m07s

If Messi had scored this, we'd never hear the end of it.

Oh, and btw, Barca's best player is Xavi

Amazing. The near post finish just caps it. And then on the reverse angle you see just how precise it had to be.

You guys heard of Javi Martinez? Lost amongst all the Messi noise in the last week is this goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDwGR0eC_aU#t=4m07s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If Messi had scored this, we'd never hear the end of it.

Oh, and btw, Barca's best player is Xavi

That guy looks like a really slow version of Kaka. Goal's excellent despite.

Can I add to the Pele arguement that he played against keepers who didn't always wear gloves, AND he didn't have to wear shinpads which helps his ball control--but not his shins' safety.

Imagine Ronaldo not having to wear shinnies, he'd have been free as a bird! End of discussion. Ronaldo is better and would have torn Pele's era to shreds. (Calm it, I joke, I joke, I kiiid, I kiiddd.)

These Almeria boys love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieoGyfLl76Q

Seriously, there is no way Maradona is unequivocally better than Pele. The Brazilian was the most complete player in the history of the game. There is literally nothing he couldn't do. It's mightily close between them and Pele is just as good as the reputation that precedes him. He also scored the greatest ever goal that was never captured on film. There is a re-enactment of it but I doubt it'll go down well with his critics. He is probably the most cheekiest player I've seen on the ball.

pele is massively overrated. He's famous for missing that open goal in the world cup

But he just isn't. That's just a typical statement of people that never actually got to see him play.

Actually, I'm never sure you're serious Dules.

No doubt Messi will grow into Maradona's status. I was amazed by his goals aginst Lehmann and then against Arsenal. He seems capable getting shooting position without trying to get the ball into his sweet spot. Lash his leg and boom there's a goal for you.

Imagine if it was Bendtner in Messi's scoring chances, how many touch Bendtner needs to get himself in the shooting position?

Maradona, Ronald, then surely Messi to come to the famehall.

Lionel Messi: "I will NEVER play in the Premier League"

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Li ... 09755.html

"I admire the strength of the players, it is very English - they play to the end, with a lot of spirit and determination, and the fans are very good and fair."

"But for me, I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always. They are a great club - I love the club, the people, everything."

He added: "One of the Arsenal players came up to me afterwards and said it had been an honour to be on the same pitch as me. I thought, 'My God, that is a great thing to say when you team has just lost.'

Not only that he was overprotected when he faced us, but one of our players said to him, that it was an honour to be on the same pitch, with the one, who put 4 past us.

I'm guessing it was Walcott.

That was shameful and spineless. Must be Almunia

I'd be honoured to be sharing a pitch with him, it doesn't detract from the fact that I still want my team to beat his team.

Amazing dribble from Messi, goes past 3 players in a row with the croqueta in the tightest of areas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXKYFFsHqeQ

I don't know why more players don't use that skill. It's by far the most effective dribbling technique you could execute.

pele is massively overrated. He's famous for missing that open goal in the world cup

Have you seen the whole passage of play? How he created the opportunity for the shot in the first place? Incredible to even think of doing what he did, then to have the courage to do it (at a World Cup no less) and then to pull it off and create an opportunity, even if the eventual shot did miss.

I don't know why more players don't use that skill. It's by far the most effective dribbling technique you could execute.

Because when you use it, most of the time, you'll be shifting the ball onto your weaker foot, something that a lot of players are reluctant to do.

Seriously, there is no way Maradona is unequivocally better than Pele. The Brazilian was the most complete player in the history of the game. There is literally nothing he couldn't do. It's mightily close between them and Pele is just as good as the reputation that precedes him. He also scored the greatest ever goal that was never captured on film. There is a re-enactment of it but I doubt it'll go down well with his critics. He is probably the most cheekiest player I've seen on the ball.

pele is massively overrated. He's famous for missing that open goal in the world cup

How can I find even a re-enactment of this goal???

Javi Martinez goal V Almeria, in case people didn't want to click the YouTube link