Soccer’s Best Performer
Lionel Andrés Messi is the best performer in the sport of soccer. Messi grew up playing soccer all his life and continues to strive no matter what gets in his way. Today Messi is a 28 year old professional soccer player, he plays as a forward for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Messi’s performances have proven to be invaluable for both club and country. Due to his extraordinary performances fans everywhere undoubtedly believe Messi is the greatest soccer player of all time. Playstyle, achievements, and reception is all the sufficient evidence necessary to believe Messi’s performances are the best in the world.
Messi is unique when it comes to the aspect of playstyle. Mostly due to the fact that Messi is shorter than the average professional soccer player. Messi is 5 ft. 7 in., his height provides Messi with a lower center of gravity than most players. With his unique center of gravity and impressive upper body strength, he is able to withstand physical challenges from other players. His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when dribbling at speed. This unique and efficient playstyle has turned Messi into a prolific goal scorer, earning him three European Gold Shoes.
Messi’s performances have led him to become the most decorated soccer player of all time. Messi has just about about won everything at his club. Although he hasn’t achieved the same success with Argentina, that should not be taken under consideration when reviewing Messi’s performance. After all, the problem is not with Messi but with his Argentina teammates. Messi’s teammates’ performances are underwhelming when it comes to competing in major international tournaments. However, Messi has continued to strive individually with Argentina. In the 2014 World Cup, Messi much deservedly won the Golden Ball award making him the tournament’s best player.
Messi has reached the pinnacle of success at Barcelona. Messi has made Barcelona one of the most decorated soccer clubs in the world, winning several league titles and trophies for his club. In doing so Messi has achieved numerous individual awards. Most notably winning three European Golden Shoe and four FIFA Ballon d’ Or. The European Golden Shoe is a trophy awarded each season to the leading goalscorer of Europe. Messi is the first to win it three times. As I mentioned earlier, Messi won four FIFA Ballon d’ Or trophies. This is the most prestigious trophy a professional soccer player can receive. This exquisite golden ball trophy is awarded annually to a player who is considered to have performed the best. Messi is the only player to have earned four, all of which he won consecutively. The fact that he is the only player to have achieved this milestone further proves how well Messi performs.
Even at a young age Messi worked hard to be considered a tremendous talent; establishing himself as one of the world’s most gifted players before the age of 20. Messi was a child prodigy, everyone saw his vast potential when he performed on the pitch. Soccer legends then and even today heap praise and merit towards him. Argentina legend, Maradona says, “ I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius and he can become an even better player.” Even Brazilian legend Pele had this to say about Messi, “At the moment, Messi is the Best!” These are quotes taken from soccer icons whom graced the game every time they played! The reception from legends and fans alike is nothing short of honest and outstanding when it comes to Messi.
I think I speak for everyone when I say Messi’s performances have blown mine and everyone else’s criteria out of the water. His performances have earned him the respect and merit from fans and soccer legends everywhere. There is not and never will be another player with the amount of reception, achievements, and performances that will ever come close to Messi’s.
As a soccer fan I can not help but admire and respect Messi’s hard work and dedication which is displayed every time he performs for his club and country. So sit down and enjoy the show when Messi plays and you can judge for yourself, how well Messi plays?