He is widely considered one of the greatest players of his era and has won an unprecedented six Ballon d’Or awards.
He has also earned numerous major club honours, such as winning the Champions League twice.
Yet many Argentine fans believe that Messi cannot compete with their original soccer god, Pele. Here’s why.
Goals
Maradona may have had incredible goal scoring abilities, but Messi can certainly match him when it comes to speed and close control – both qualities shown off here with his goal against Sevilla.
Starting in his own half, he dribbled past three Belgium players before unleashing a shot across goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff and hoping for it to land on them – leaving Belgian defenders gasping in pain behind them.
As soon as he made contact with Marc Burruchaga’s misplaced pass, Messi capitalized on it by moving into space and carving open Belgium’s defence with ease. His first touch and change of pace were amazing while the finishing was incredible – another masterpiece goal by Messi. This goal would later go down as one of his legendary achievements over his long career.
Assists
Messi is widely admired for both his goal-scoring and passing abilities, garnering seven Ballon d’Or awards in the process. Over his club career he has amassed 377 assists – 269 for Barcelona in La Liga and Champions League play alone – only Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas can match that record; neither can match him when it comes to European competition.
Messi has never lost his ability to penetrate defences in his 30s, as evidenced by his dominating performances for Barcelona in both league and cup competitions. He often creates havoc among rival teams while setting up his wingers with one-twos that make them appear like they’re playing tag – as seen against Miami in the MLS Cup final when Messi set up two goals with one-touch passes that forced Atlanta out of position and led directly to goals scored against Atlanta in the first half.
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Ball Control
Messi is known for his skill at maneuvering past defenders and keeping the ball moving, using quick steps while maintaining his balance to dribble past them and keep moving the ball along his trajectory. This allows him to twist and turn in an instantaneous fashion.
As Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean did, he also keeps his arms out when dribbling, which helps maintain a low center of gravity and control at high speeds – something his counterpart in France does with ease. Such great technique shows up when it comes time for them to perform on court!
One notable characteristic of his dribbling is the way in which he frequently changes direction with feints and fake steps, disorienting opponents by throwing off their focus by giving defenders no idea when or where his next move may come. This indicates good decision-making skills as well as smart soccer play.
Dribbling
An effective dribbler knows how to move and change speed while remaining in control of the ball. A low center of gravity and taking small, quick steps forward are keys for successful dribbling; Messi excels at this technique while taller players may require taking additional steps per dribble in order to remain under their own control.
The Argentine has incredible close control, enabling him to effortlessly glide past defenders like they’re butter. Watch him in this stunning run against Real Zaragoza; twisting and turning through an onrushing crowd of onrushing defenders without getting tripped up or stripped of the ball thanks to playing soccer since early childhood.
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Overall
Maradona may have made history at the 1986 World Cup, but Messi’s legacy lies elsewhere. He holds more domestic and international trophies compared to Maradona – 10 league titles to one as well as five European Golden Shoes awards and two Ballon d’Or awards at Barcelona alone!
He is one of only six players to score 700 goals for club and country, boasting an outstanding record in major showpiece games such as his late double against Real Madrid in the 2011 Champions League semi-final.
Arguments over who should be considered the greatest player ever will always depend on when and in what era you live, but Messi stands above his rivals by replicating Maradona’s peak performance over 15 consecutive years and maintaining it. He stands above all competitors when it comes to first touch, vision and dribbling as well. He clearly leads them all.
