[PICTURES] Lionel Messi: The GOAT

[Waleed93]

Pigeon holing European club performances in UCL last 10 years but not brave enough to acknowledge the success of English clubs in UCL since the inception of PL.

On top of this, Messi fan bois are quick to make claims on how many goals Messi would score in the PL, but struggle to predict how many goals Messi would score in his 1st season playing L1.

Don't believe the hype folks. The only thing overated here is Mamoon and his sidekick's knowledge and understanding of football.

Make the predicition if you can, otherwise move on, and enjoy the PL!

What prediction ? Ligue 1 is the least competitive league in Europe. Messi is surely going to be the top scorer, or atleast the 2nd top scorer in his debut season. I don't see anyone outscoring him in France other than Mbappé. Messi will easily cross the 20 goals mark, but it also depends on the number of games he starts.

Don't change the goalpost when you are not finding any credible argument. You kept moaning about the PL being the top league in Europe and I just showed you the mirror by stating a simple fact : in recent history (21st century) the PL clubs have been a joke compared to La Liga clubs on the European stage.

Even during the 20th century, the European Cup was literally dominated by Real Madrid. LOL.

Messi outscoring PL farmers is not an assumption. If Vardy can become a PL legend, then you don't need to an Einstein level IQ to guess what Messi would to the PL.

You can keep resorting to name calling, that's literally the sign of someone losing an argument.

 

[Technics 1210]

So there we have it. From Messi scoring 30 to 40 goals in PL, to the inability to predict how many goals Messi would score in 1st season of L1. You couldn't make it up. No wait, Messi will score atleast 20 in a less competitive league compare to PL. Lol! So Messi would score more in a tougher league.

Lets face it, these Messi fan bois are just haters of the PL. Nothing more or nothing less.

Probably upset that Liverpool have more UCL wins than Barcelona - hence the pigeon holing.

Let's see if Mamoon is brave enough to make a predicition now.

PS: Sidekick is not name calling.

 

[Waleed93]

So there we have it. From Messi scoring 30 to 40 goals in PL, to the inability to predict how many goals Messi would score in 1st season of L1. You couldn't make it up. No wait, Messi will score atleast 20 in a less competitive league compare to PL. Lol! So Messi would score more in a tougher league.

Lets face it, these Messi fan bois are just haters of the PL. Nothing more or nothing less.

Probably upset that Liverpool have more UCL wins than Barcelona - hence the pigeon holing.

Let's see if Mamoon is brave enough to make a predicition now.

PS: Sidekick is not name calling.

You are so triggered that you have lost the ability to understand a simple argument.

What I said and meant was that "PRIME" Messi (or Ronaldo) would easily score 30-40 goals on average in England. Ronaldo already did it in 2008, and Messi scoring more goals than any PL club in 2012 should be enough for the PL ******* to imagine what "PEAK" Messi looks like. PL strikers in their peak are meanwhile struggling to reach 25 goals and you have the audacity to laugh on a 34 years old Messi. Kane just won the PL golden boot with 23 goals LOL.

As far as a 34 years old Messi is concerned, he is obviously past his prime, even if this version of him is clearly better than almost any player the current PL, he will, as I said but you probably missed it out of frustration, he will rack up 25 goals if he gets to start enough games. I won't be surprised if he outscores every PL striker once again, even at this age.

Firstly, I don't need to hate the PL. I admire certain PL clubs such as United and Chelsea, and why should I even hate the PL when my club has more than twice as many CLs than the best PL clubs and is globally known as the greatest football club of all time.

Secondly, don't waste your time calling me a Messi ******. I choose Ronaldo over him and I believe that he has a slight edge over Messi, but that doesn't mean that I have to downplay Messi or the fact that he is without any doubt one of the two GOATs of the game.

 

[Technics 1210]

I don't understand why you are so upset because I believe Maradona is the greatest. If you think this is undermining Messi's performance at Barcelona then you have issues to deal with.

Not once have I doubted Messi's talent and achievements, I just don't believe he's the greatest.

You have already falsely accused me of making an argument that Messi wouldn't be succesful if he played in the PL, I never made such a claim. Read this thread properly.

On to other matters. Mamoon is making the claim that Messi would score 30 to 40 goals in the PL, yet it is you who has undermined him with your 20 or more goal predicition in a less competitive league than PL.

The problem with your argument is that you are 'imagining' figures of peak or no peak Messi in the PL. This is not an argument, it's a hypothetical.

You also claim PL is overrated. Fine your opinion, but English club records in UCL since inception of PL tell another factual story altogether, compared to your 10 year window in UCL.

As for Kane winning GB with 23 goals is a testament to how tough and competitive the PL league is.

You have no argument, just hypotheticals when it comes to Messi and the PL. Fact.

PS: It's you who is triggered, that's an awful lot of asterisks in your post.

 

[Waleed93]

I don't understand why you are so upset because I believe Maradona is the greatest. If you think this is undermining Messi's performance at Barcelona then you have issues to deal with.

Not once have I doubted Messi's talent and achievements, I just don't believe he's the greatest.

You have already falsely accused me of making an argument that Messi wouldn't be succesful if he played in the PL, I never made such a claim. Read this thread properly.

On to other matters. Mamoon is making the claim that Messi would score 30 to 40 goals in the PL, yet it is you who has undermined him with your 20 or more goal predicition in a less competitive league than PL.

The problem with your argument is that you are 'imagining' figures of peak or no peak Messi in the PL. This is not an argument, it's a hypothetical.

You also claim PL is overrated. Fine your opinion, but English club records in UCL since inception of PL tell another factual story altogether, compared to your 10 year window in UCL.

As for Kane winning GB with 23 goals is a testament to how tough and competitive the PL league is.

You have no argument, just hypotheticals when it comes to Messi and the PL. Fact.

PS: It's you who is triggered, that's an awful lot of asterisks in your post.

There is no wrong in calling Maradona the GOAT. I just called you out for that assumption when you said that Maradona could have achieved more without his drug addiction. This is the kind of excuses that I find lame and this is how people massively overrate players like the Brazilian Ronaldo with that famous "what if injuries never existed" nonsense.

Anyways that's not the topic. As I said, the PL remains very competitive, but not as much as PL fans make it sound, which makes it overrated.

English clubs have been overshadowed by other clubs in the UCL, even after 1992, when the PL was founded. Since then, Madrid won it 7 times, Barcelona won it 4 times, Milan and Bayern have won it thrice. No PL club has won it more than twice during the same period. What UCL domination do you talk about ? English clubs are clearly not the best when it comes to the UCL.

Kane winning the Golden Boot doesn't have EVERYTHING to do with the competitive nature of the PL. Yes, it can be a reason. However, a 23 years old Ronaldo (before his peak) scored 31 goals in the actual toughest era of the PL.

Since Messi has never played in La Liga, I can only present my arguments with assumptions to those who think that he will not dominate England the way he dominated Spain.

His peak (2012) is by far the greatest peak recored by any player in football history. Do you think that a player capable of scoring 91 goals in a year will struggle to score a hattrick against Aston, Stoke or West Ham at the peak of his powers ?

Ronaldo has been his biggest competitor, and since they pretty much ended almost every season with identical number of goals, I don't any doubt about Messi scoring around the same amount.

The current Messi, with all his talent and ability would end up with the PL golden boot. He won't score 40 goals as he is clearly past his best days, but 25 goals is what I think he would reach at this age on average.

PS: The asterisks on my previous post hide the word "fan boy".

 

[Technics 1210]

There is no wrong in calling Maradona the GOAT. I just called you out for that assumption when you said that Maradona could have achieved more without his drug addiction. This is the kind of excuses that I find lame and this is how people massively overrate players like the Brazilian Ronaldo with that famous "what if injuries never existed" nonsense.

Anyways that's not the topic. As I said, the PL remains very competitive, but not as much as PL fans make it sound, which makes it overrated.

English clubs have been overshadowed by other clubs in the UCL, even after 1992, when the PL was founded. Since then, Madrid won it 7 times, Barcelona won it 4 times, Milan and Bayern have won it thrice. No PL club has won it more than twice during the same period. What UCL domination do you talk about ? English clubs are clearly not the best when it comes to the UCL.

Kane winning the Golden Boot doesn't have EVERYTHING to do with the competitive nature of the PL. Yes, it can be a reason. However, a 23 years old Ronaldo (before his peak) scored 31 goals in the actual toughest era of the PL.

Since Messi has never played in La Liga, I can only present my arguments with assumptions to those who think that he will not dominate England the way he dominated Spain.

His peak (2012) is by far the greatest peak recored by any player in football history. Do you think that a player capable of scoring 91 goals in a year will struggle to score a hattrick against Aston, Stoke or West Ham at the peak of his powers ?

Ronaldo has been his biggest competitor, and since they pretty much ended almost every season with identical number of goals, I don't any doubt about Messi scoring around the same amount.

The current Messi, with all his talent and ability would end up with the PL golden boot. He won't score 40 goals as he is clearly past his best days, but 25 goals is what I think he would reach at this age on average.

PS: The asterisks on my previous post hide the word "fan boy".

You didn't call out anything. Maradona's career was short lived had it not been for his cocaine addiction. This is a fact, no secret, and 100% verifiable. Hence why I asked you whether you'd actually watched him play throughout his career in the 80s.

I never said English clubs are the best in UCL. And again you are pigeon holing with - no english club won the UCL twice since PL inception. English clubs won it 6 times, and don't forget how many times an English club were runners up.

I never claimed this was domination by English clubs. When did I use the word domination? Can you make an argument without putting words in people's mouth? Give it a go. I was merely pointing out that you can't claim PL is overated based on a 10 year UCL window.

For the record, I think at best you caught Maradona's tail end of his career. Like when he was banned from the WC94 for drug use. Fun fact, Maradona started taking cocaine when he played for Barcelona. Before calling out what you think is a what if, I suggest you read up on how many times his career was on hold due to cocaine use, smuggling charges, in particular his 15th month ban when playing for Napoli. Look it up.

 

[Mamoon]

Please save the essays.

You keep tabs on all leagues. Well done. Fact is you never seen Maradona play and you talk as if you were born in the 70s following footy.

Now one more time, how many goals do you think Messi will score in his 1st season in L1?

The usual “you did not watch XYZ” argument when everything else fails.

This is when you know that the other person has run out of ammunition, and I don’t blame you because there was nothing much that you could have said after you were educated on the success of Atletico and the fact that PSG are not even French champions at the moment.

Moreover, you clearly did not have an answer to [MENTION=145946]Waleed93[/MENTION] giving you a reality-check over the performance of English clubs compared to other European clubs in the UCL.

You don’t need to be present in Maradona’s era to recognize his greatness and what he did for Argentina and Napoli.

You never watched Pele live but you can appreciate, in spite of your non-existent footballing knowledge ands awareness, how great a player he was.

Similarly, future generations will be able to recognize the fact that Messi and Ronaldo are the two greatest footballers to have ever lived in spite of not watching them live. We are extremely lucky that we have lived through their era.

As far as how many Messi would score in Ligue 1 this season, well if he doesn’t get injured and plays 30+ league games, he will score 30+, which is the same amount of goals he scored in La Liga last season and would have scored in the PL this season had he joined City.

Moreover, 2012 Messi, the greatest ever peak that any footballer has ever achieved, would have scored 45+ goals in the PL just like he did in La Liga.

Messi wipes the floor with any attacker that has ever played in the PL with the exception of Ronaldo, and PL never saw peak Ronaldo.

In spite of the fact that Ronaldo wasn’t at his peak in England, he still scored 42 goals across competitions for Man United in 2007-08.

Anyone with half a brain-cell would realize that peak Messi and Ronaldo would score 60+ goals across competitions year in year out while playing in England during their peak years.

Even at 34, Messi is several notches above the best forwards in England like Kane and Salah. Even at 34, PL teams wouldn’t be able to handle Messi. The mid-table and bottom-half teams have never faced or defended anyone like Messi before. They don’t even know what it is like, and it is nothing like facing Salah or Kane or Mane or Son.

Moreover, even if you take out his goals, you still have a better playmaker/attacking midfielder than De Bruyne and Bruno - that is how incredibly phenomenal Messi is. He is the best player in the world even if he scores 0 goals.

Fact is that Messi does not need PL; the PL needed Messi.

PL considers itself the greatest league in the world but the greatest player of all time never played in their league, and the other GOAT Ronaldo left just as he was about to hit his peak.

Fact is PL never got the privilege to watch Messi, peak Ronaldo and the three greatest midfielders of the last 30 years - Zidane, Iniesta and Xavi.

 

[Mamoon]

2013-14 Suarez was the closest anyon ever reached to Messi/Ronaldo level during their peak.

In spite of missing almost two months because of suspension, he scored 31 goals in 31 in matches and walked the golden boot, and then we have clueless PL fans claiming that you cannot score more than 23-24 goals because the league is too competitive.

Current Kane isn’t a patch on peak Suarez. If Suarez could score 31 in 31 in 2013-14, imagine how many peak Messi would score.

 

[Waleed93]

You didn't call out anything. Maradona's career was short lived had it not been for his cocaine addiction. This is a fact, no secret, and 100% verifiable. Hence why I asked you whether you'd actually watched him play throughout his career in the 80s.

I never said English clubs are the best in UCL. And again you are pigeon holing with - no english club won the UCL twice since PL inception. English clubs won it 6 times, and don't forget how many times an English club were runners up.

I never claimed this was domination by English clubs. When did I use the word domination? Can you make an argument without putting words in people's mouth? Give it a go. I was merely pointing out that you can't claim PL is overated based on a 10 year UCL window.

For the record, I think at best you caught Maradona's tail end of his career. Like when he was banned from the WC94 for drug use. Fun fact, Maradona started taking cocaine when he played for Barcelona. Before calling out what you think is a what if, I suggest you read up on how many times his career was on hold due to cocaine use, smuggling charges, in particular his 15th month ban when playing for Napoli. Look it up.

You kept moaning about how impressive PL clubs have been in the UCL. Again, I showed you the mirror with a simple fact : Not even a single PL club has won it more than twice. United, Chelsea and Liverpool all won it twice while Madrid and Barca won it 7 times and 4 times respectively. If being a runner-up is what you call an achievement, then look at how many times did Juventus reach the final and lost.

This alone proves that even if you talk about post-PL era, Spanish teams have been far ahead at the biggest stage.

I am leaving the Maradona discussion right here because it's not the topic, and I don't want you to think that I don't rate him as a legendary player.

 

[Waleed93]

2013-14 Suarez was the closest anyon ever reached to Messi/Ronaldo level during their peak.

In spite of missing almost two months because of suspension, he scored 31 goals in 31 in matches and walked the golden boot, and then we have clueless PL fans claiming that you cannot score more than 23-24 goals because the league is too competitive.

Current Kane isn’t a patch on peak Suarez. If Suarez could score 31 in 31 in 2013-14, imagine how many peak Messi would score.

The funniest thing is is the fact that Suarez scored those 31 goals without taking a single penalty. Imagine if he took all the penalties for Liverpool that season, he would have been close to score 45 league goals in the world's "most competitive league".

Suarez is the greatest striker of this generation, and if he scored 31 non-penalty goals, just imagine what prime Messi or Ronaldo would look like in the PL.

 

[Mamoon]

You kept moaning about how impressive PL clubs have been in the UCL. Again, I showed you the mirror with a simple fact : Not even a single PL club has won it more than twice. United, Chelsea and Liverpool all won it twice while Madrid and Barca won it 7 times and 4 times respectively. If being a runner-up is what you call an achievement, then look at how many times did Juventus reach the final and lost.

This alone proves that even if you talk about post-PL era, Spanish teams have been far ahead at the biggest stage.

I am leaving the Maradona discussion right here because it's not the topic, and I don't want you to think that I don't rate him as a legendary player.

2010 onwards, La Liga teams have won about 80% of Europa Leagues. Then PL fans act as if the mid-table Spanish teams would get rinsed by your Evertons, West Hams, Burnleys, Southamptons.

 

[Waleed93]

2010 onwards, La Liga teams have won about 80% of Europa Leagues. Then PL fans act as if the mid-table Spanish teams would get rinsed by your Evertons, West Hams, Burnleys, Southamptons.

This is why they don't want to talk about recent history because La Liga teams have been on another level of domination on the European stage throughout the 2010s.

Unfortunately for them, this domination didn't start in 2010. Even during their golden period, (post 1992), La Liga teams have been better, the only exception being the small period between 2003-2008, when you could say that PL clubs were doing better.

 

[Technics 1210]

waffle

Your predicition on how many goals Messi will score this season at L1?

 

[Technics 1210]

You kept moaning about how impressive PL clubs have been in the UCL. Again, I showed you the mirror with a simple fact : Not even a single PL club has won it more than twice. United, Chelsea and Liverpool all won it twice while Madrid and Barca won it 7 times and 4 times respectively. If being a runner-up is what you call an achievement, then look at how many times did Juventus reach the final and lost.

This alone proves that even if you talk about post-PL era, Spanish teams have been far ahead at the biggest stage.

I am leaving the Maradona discussion right here because it's not the topic, and I don't want you to think that I don't rate him as a legendary player.

You are pigeon holing once again. The fact no English team won it more than twice post PL only serves to proves how competitive the PL is. Yes Spanish clubs have been more successful but this isn't the point, the point is PL cannot be considered overrated when English clubs have indeed been successful in the UCL. Not to mention how Spanish clubs plucked PL players like CR7 and Bale too.

PL, LL, BL, L1, SA. 5 top flight leagues in Europe, and English clubs have won the UCL 6 times in the 30 years after the PL is bang rate of 1 in 5 (20%) of the UCL wins. This is not an indication the PL is overrated but proof PL has won its expected share of UCL titles.

Current champs - Chelsea.

Where's Pep these days? Oh yes, PL.

 

[Technics 1210]

My bad Mamoon, in all that waffle you have made a prediction. 30+ goals for Messi this season in L1.

Time will tell.

 

[Waleed93]

You are pigeon holing once again. The fact no English team won it more than twice post PL only serves to proves how competitive the PL is. Yes Spanish clubs have been more successful but this isn't the point, the point is PL cannot be considered overrated when English clubs have indeed been successful in the UCL. Not to mention how Spanish clubs plucked PL players like CR7 and Bale too.

PL, LL, BL, L1, SA. 5 top flight leagues in Europe, and English clubs have won the UCL 6 times in the 30 years after the PL is bang rate of 1 in 5 (20%) of the UCL wins. This is not an indication the PL is overrated but proof PL has won its expected share of UCL titles.

Current champs - Chelsea.

Where's Pep these days? Oh yes, PL.

The fact that no PL team has won it more than twice since 1992 doesn't have anything to do with the league's competitive nature.

It's simply because those team got knocked out against a better team from Spain or Italy.*

The PL is not naturally overrated. It becomes overrated when it's fans start calling it the best thing since sliced bread, while European records since 1992 (UCL and UEL combined) suggest that Spain has dominated European football for the biggest part of the last 29 years.

Yes, PL teams won the UCL 6/29 times since 1992. Spanish teams have won it 11/29 times, Italian sides have won it 5 times and German sides won it on 4 occasions.

That just shows that English clubs have been far behind Spain in Europe, while Serie A and Bundesliga have been almost at the same level of "the most competitive league ever".

 

[Mamoon]

The fact no English team won it more than twice post PL only serves to proves how competitive the PL is.

Genius )

English teams getting dumped out has nothing to do with the competitiveness of the PL and everything to do with getting bested from other teams in another league.

You are digging harder than a Caterpillar excavator. I suggest you stop for your own mental peace.

 

[Technics 1210]

The fact that no PL team has won it more than twice since 1992 doesn't have anything to do with the league's competitive nature.

It's simply because those team got knocked out against a better team from Spain or Italy.*

The PL is not naturally overrated. It becomes overrated when it's fans start calling it the best thing since sliced bread, while European records since 1992 (UCL and UEL combined) suggest that Spain has dominated European football for the biggest part of the last 29 years.

Yes, PL teams won the UCL 6/29 times since 1992. Spanish teams have won it 11/29 times, Italian sides have won it 5 times and German sides won it on 4 occasions.

That just shows that English clubs have been far behind Spain in Europe, while Serie A and Bundesliga have been almost at the same level of "the most competitive league ever".

Again, where did I state the PL is the best league in the world or the best since sliced bread? Why don't you debate my words? I have repeatedly stated PL is one of the most competetive leagues in Europe. So what's your point now? What are you arguing with me?

You are just making stuff up as you go along and put words in my mouth.

English clubs have won their expected share of UCL titles post PL, and you would only have a point if English clubs won squat in UCL while PL fans claim the PL is the most competitive etc. This is not the case.

20% of UCL titles won by English clubs post PL is evidence of how competetive the PL is. You agree to this.

Now unless you stop putting words in my mouth, I am not interested in debating with you. Debate my words, not others or some like you do, with 'imaginary' claims.

 

[Technics 1210]

Now now, as I stated there's no such thing as minnow bashing in the PL. We all witnessed the season opener on Friday, proving how PL is one of the most competetive leagues in Europe.

 

[Mamoon]

Now now, as I stated there's no such thing as minnow bashing in the PL. We all witnessed the season opener on Friday, proving how PL is one of the most competetive leagues in Europe.

2019-20: Liverpool won 32 out of 38 matches

2018-19: City won 32 out of 38 matches while Liverpool won 30 out of 38.

2017-18: City won 32 out of 38 matches.

2016-17: Chelsea won 30 out of 38 matches.

So much for “there is no such thing as minnow bashing” in the PL” )

 

[Technics 1210]

Genius )

English teams getting dumped out has nothing to do with the competitiveness of the PL and everything to do with getting bested from other teams in another league.

You are digging harder than a Caterpillar excavator. I suggest you stop for your own mental peace.

I wasn't refering to be dumped out, but UCL wins for English clubs. You know this, just you don't have an argument after you revealed you support Arsenal cos your mates do, in what you claim is an overrated league.

Damage control for you henceforth.

Let's see if at least one prediction of yours will come true this season. Just one.

 

[Technics 1210]

2019-20: Liverpool won 32 out of 38 matches

2018-19: City won 32 out of 38 matches while Liverpool won 30 out of 38.

2017-18: City won 32 out of 38 matches.

2016-17: Chelsea won 30 out of 38 matches.

So much for “there is no such thing as minnow bashing” in the PL” )

The smilies have kicked in I see. Losing it huh?

Your stats only prove how many games were won by PL winners that season. Tautology in simplest form.

What your stats do not reveal how PL isn't a 2 horse race like most other European leagues.

 

[Mamoon]

I wasn't refering to be dumped out, but UCL wins for English clubs. You know this, just you don't have an argument after you revealed you support Arsenal cos your mates do, in what you claim is an overrated league.

Damage control for you henceforth.

Let's see if at least one prediction of yours will come true this season. Just one.

Supporting Arsenal has nothing to do with the fact that PL is an overrated league. Do PSG fans claim that French league is the best in the world? Of course not, they understand that it is a weak league, but it has nothing to do with supporting PSG.

You had no clue about the success that A. Madrid have enjoyed over the years, you had no clue about the dominance La Liga teams have had in Europe and you had no clue about the fact that PSG didn’t win Ligue 1 last season.

You are a typical deluded PL fan who does not bother to follow other leagues and hence cannot see beyond the PL bubble.

 

[Technics 1210]

Supporting Arsenal has nothing to do with the fact that PL is an overrated league. Do PSG fans claim that French league is the best in the world? Of course not, they understand that it is a weak league, but it has nothing to do with supporting PSG.

You had no clue about the success that A. Madrid have enjoyed over the years, you had no clue about the dominance La Liga teams have had in Europe and you had no clue about the fact that PSG didn’t win Ligue 1 last season.

You are a typical deluded PL fan who does not bother to follow other leagues and hence cannot see beyond the PL bubble.

Supporting Arsenal while claiming PL is overrated has everything to do with the way you think. It exposes your hypocrisy and reveals what your think of the PL - one of the most competetive leagues in Europe. You just argue for attention. Proof above.

The only one delusional here is the one claiming he knows it all when not being born at the time.

 

[Mamoon]

The smilies have kicked in I see. Losing it huh?

Your stats only prove how many games were won by PL winners that season. Tautology in simplest form.

What your stats do not reveal how PL isn't a 2 horse race like most other European leagues.

The stats disprove your laughable assertion that there is no minnow-bashing in the PL.

If there was no minnow-bashing, the champions over the last 5-6 season would not have won the league at a canter. They did a lot of minnow-bashing and that is why they won 30+ matches.

The Leicester season (2015-16) was the last competitive PL season, and that was because all the major teams were out of sorts. Leicester was simply the least average team that season followed by Arsenal.

There is as much minnow-bashing in PL as there is no other leagues. It all depends on how strong the best teams are at some point.

The best PL teams have usually not be strong enough compared to the best teams in other leagues.

Pep’s Barcelona humiliated SAF’s United twice in three years in the UCL. Imagine that Barcelona team in the PL - they would walk the league without breaking a sweat.

Premier league wasn’t a two horse race for quite a few years because it’s best horses were not very good, not because all the horses were very good.

PL fans do not have the intelligence to distinguish between quality and competitiveness.

A low quality league, where all teams are not very good, will also be competitive. That however does not mean that the quality of football is exceptional.

 

[Mamoon]

Supporting Arsenal while claiming PL is overrated has everything to do with the way you think. It exposes your hypocrisy and reveals what your think of the PL - one of the most competetive leagues in Europe. You just argue for attention. Proof above.

The only one delusional here is the one claiming he knows it all when not being born at the time.

PL is one of the most competitive leagues; however, it is not the most competitive league and Messi would dominate the league if he played in it. Anyone who disputes this is clearly delusional.

 

[Technics 1210]

The stats disprove your laughable assertion that there is no minnow-bashing in the PL.

If there was no minnow-bashing, the champions over the last 5-6 season would not have won the league at a canter. They did a lot of minnow-bashing and that is why they won 30+ matches.

The Leicester season (2015-16) was the last competitive PL season, and that was because all the major teams were out of sorts. Leicester was simply the least average team that season followed by Arsenal.

There is as much minnow-bashing in PL as there is no other leagues. It all depends on how strong the best teams are at some point.

The best PL teams have usually not be strong enough compared to the best teams in other leagues.

Pep’s Barcelona humiliated SAF’s United twice in three years in the UCL. Imagine that Barcelona team in the PL - they would walk the league without breaking a sweat.

Premier league wasn’t a two horse race for quite a few years because it’s best horses were not very good, not because all the horses were very good.

PL fans do not have the intelligence to distinguish between quality and competitiveness.

A low quality league, where all teams are not very good, will also be competitive. That however does not mean that the quality of football is exceptional.

Now the essays.

At least you now admit PL isn't a 2 horse race. As ever you finally come round to agreeing with the opposition point. Your essays and smilies just cushion the blow for you.

 

[Technics 1210]

PL is one of the most competitive leagues; however, it is not the most competitive league and Messi would dominate the league if he played in it. Anyone who disputes this is clearly delusional.

Wow. Now you agree with me, again, that PL is one of the most competetive leagues.

What next? You are on a roll.

 

[Mamoon]

Where's Pep these days? Oh yes, PL.

Pep is in the PL, but the following elite players in the world are not in the PL:

Messi
Ronaldo
Lewandowski
Neymar
Mbappe
Haaland
Suarez
Kroos
Modric
De Jong
De Ligt
Donnarumma
Hakimi
Ramos
Chielleni
Bonucci
Barella
Insigne
Alphonso
Gnabry

You probably haven’t heard of the majority of them because you don’t watch football outside the PL, but these are just 20 odd players off the top of my head, and they are better than 99% of the players in PL in their respective positions.

So how come they are not playing “in the best league in the world” and are not desperate to sign for PL clubs?

 

[Mamoon]

Wow. Now you agree with me, again, that PL is one of the most competetive leagues.

What next? You are on a roll.

So predictable.

Please point out a post where I said PL is not one of the most competitive or not one of the best leagues?

This whole discourse has been about dispelling the notion that PL is the best league, the most competitive league and the myth that a GOAT like Messi would not dominate it as hard as he dominated Spain.

What argument have you put forward to support the above? Nothing. All you have done is expose your lack of knowledge.

 

[Mamoon]

Wow. Now you agree with me, again, that PL is one of the most competetive leagues.

What next? You are on a roll.

Hell would freeze over before I have to agree with you. I would need to lose about 50 IQ points for that to happen.

You need to read my post again to understand what I wrote. I don’t think I can dumb it down further.

 

[Technics 1210]

Pep is in the PL, but the following elite players in the world are not in the PL:

Messi
Ronaldo
Lewandowski
Neymar
Mbappe
Haaland
Suarez
Kroos
Modric
De Jong
De Ligt
Donnarumma
Hakimi
Ramos
Chielleni
Bonucci
Barella
Insigne
Alphonso
Gnabry

You probably haven’t heard of the majority of them because you don’t watch football outside the PL, but these are just 20 odd players off the top of my head, and they are better than 99% of the players in PL in their respective positions.

So how come they are not playing “in the best league in the world” and are not desperate to sign for PL clubs?

Nice copy and paste from Google. I could do that too except I don't pretend to know it all for the attention.

Again, where did I say PL is the best league in the world, let alone Europe?

What you should be asking is how comes one of the best managers is managing a team in what you consider an overrated league? Do I hear you say money? Well I guess that's the answer to your question above too.

 

[Technics 1210]

Hell would freeze over before I have to agree with you. I would need to lose about 50 IQ points for that to happen.

You need to read my post again to understand what I wrote. I don’t think I can dumb it down further.

You have agreed twice.

You agree with me that PL is one of the most competetive leagues in Europe, and that the Pl isn't a 2 race horse every season.

Wipe those tears.

 

[Mamoon]

Nice copy and paste from Google. I could do that too except I don't pretend to know it all for the attention.

Again, where did I say PL is the best league in the world, let alone Europe?

What you should be asking is how comes one of the best managers is managing a team in what you consider an overrated league? Do I hear you say money? Well I guess that's the answer to your question above too.

Only a PL fan would need to “Google” to be aware of the list of players that I mentioned.

I bet you had to copy paste this and search for more than half the players I listed because you had no clue about them, and hence my point.

 

[Mamoon]

You have agreed twice.

You agree with me that PL is one of the most competetive leagues in Europe, and that the Pl isn't a 2 race horse every season.

Wipe those tears.

Again, I didn’t. Read my post again, you will find a clue. As I said, I cannot dumb it down to your level.

 

[Mamoon]

Pep coaching in the PL proves it is the best league, but let’s ignore the fact that 90% of the best players in the world are not playing in the PL.

Genius.

 

[Technics 1210]

So predictable.

Please point out a post where I said PL is not one of the most competitive or not one of the best leagues?

This whole discourse has been about dispelling the notion that PL is the best league, the most competitive league and the myth that a GOAT like Messi would not dominate it as hard as he dominated Spain.

What argument have you put forward to support the above? Nothing. All you have done is expose your lack of knowledge.

Point out a post where I said PL is the best league in the world, Europe?

Where did I say Messi wouldn't be succesful etc in the PL?

You argue by putting words in people's mouth to the point you don't even realise you are agreeing with me.

I am not going to argue against your hypothetical. You can claim Messi will score x goals in the PL. This is an imaginary claim.

 

[Technics 1210]

Pep coaching in the PL proves it is the best league, but let’s ignore the fact that 90% of the best players in the world are not playing in the PL.

Genius.

This is the problem, when you are in the wrong, you make yet another claim which is so far from the truth it's laughable.

I can play this game. Now you are claiming money has no influence in decsion making of players/managers.

Genius isn't the word.

 

[Technics 1210]

Only a PL fan would need to “Google” to be aware of the list of players that I mentioned.

I bet you had to copy paste this and search for more than half the players I listed because you had no clue about them, and hence my point.

No. However only an attention seeker, who wasn't alive at the time, would have to Google.

 

[Waleed93]

Again, where did I state the PL is the best league in the world or the best since sliced bread? Why don't you debate my words? I have repeatedly stated PL is one of the most competetive leagues in Europe. So what's your point now? What are you arguing with me?

You are just making stuff up as you go along and put words in my mouth.

English clubs have won their expected share of UCL titles post PL, and you would only have a point if English clubs won squat in UCL while PL fans claim the PL is the most competitive etc. This is not the case.

20% of UCL titles won by English clubs post PL is evidence of how competetive the PL is. You agree to this.

Now unless you stop putting words in my mouth, I am not interested in debating with you. Debate my words, not others or some like you do, with 'imaginary' claims.

The PL is ONE of the most competitive leagues in the world, there is no doubt about that.

However, it's clearly overrated by it's fans who think that one of the greatest players of all time won't be able to destroy the league as easily as he destroyed Spain. I am not talking about you in particular, but that's how majority of PL fans are. A bunch pf deluded individuals.

PL clubs have won their share of UCL titles, but they have remaine far behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in terms of domination, and at the same level of Serie A and Bundesliga clubs on European level.

If you want to keep mentionning how competitive the PL is just because they have a 20% success rario in the UCL, then I will just let you do your own calculations and see the success ratio of Real Madrid or Barca in the same period.

 

[Technics 1210]

The PL is ONE of the most competitive leagues in the world, there is no doubt about that.

However, it's clearly overrated by it's fans who think that one of the greatest players of all time won't be able to destroy the league as easily as he destroyed Spain. I am not talking about you in particular, but that's how majority of PL fans are. A bunch pf deluded individuals.

PL clubs have won their share of UCL titles, but they have remaine far behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in terms of domination, and at the same level of Serie A and Bundesliga clubs on European level.

If you want to keep mentionning how competitive the PL is just because they have a 20% success rario in the UCL, then I will just let you do your own calculations and see the success ratio of Real Madrid or Barca in the same period.

I kept mentioning the PL is one of the most competetive from page 3, because you just didn't read and claimed I was saying the PL is the best league in the world etc. You then come out with pigeon holing hence had to show your the wider picture of 20% UCL wins and put words in my mouth by claiming I though English clubs dominated UCL.

We could've saved time had you properly read my posts and stopped putting words in my mouth.

Glad we agree that on most of the points though. It pays to read.

 

[street cricketer]

Trincao was nutmegging Shaw and Maguire for fun yesterday and they made him look like prime Ronaldinho with his dribbles and people think Messi can't suceed in the Premier league?

 

[Technics 1210]

Messi benched on his debut with PSG.

Oh dear.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

Messi benched on his debut with PSG.

Oh dear.

That’s how it normally happens with any big signing which didn’t join in pre season

 

[Technics 1210]

That’s how it normally happens with any big signing which didn’t join in pre season

Sure, replacing his mate Neymar in the 66th minute.

Stealth tactics for sure.

 

[Firebat]

Beaten 3-0 at home by Bayern in the first UCL group game, and now 7th in La Liga. One wonders how much Messi was propping up Barcelona from mediocrity.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

Beaten 3-0 at home by Bayern in the first UCL group game, and now 7th in La Liga. One wonders how much Messi was propping up Barcelona from mediocrity.

The funny thing is that the current La Liga crop is very mediocre to begin with anyway.

So Barcelona likely will still finish top 4 with ease but it’s in champions league where they will throughly be destroyed

 

[The_KING]

GOAT doing GOAT things by scoring against the Premier League champions. This is his 27th goal against the best Premier League sides, but he will struggle against Stoke

 

[MenInG]

Lionel Messi has tested positive for COVID-19

He has tested positive along with three other PSG footballers

 

[Technics 1210]

How many goals has Messi scored in L1 this season?

 

[MenInG]

Lionel Messi says he will reconsider his future in soccer later this year but said it’s likely “many things will change” after the World Cup in November and December in Qatar.

Messi’s comments came after Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0 on Friday in the remaining match of the penultimate round of South American World Cup qualifying.

“I don’t know what I will do after the World Cup. I am thinking about what is coming,” Messi said.

“After Qatar I will have to reassess many things.” He added his doubts had nothing to do with past frustration playing for Argentina. He won his first title with the team last year — the Copa America in a final against Brazil.

“It has been a while that I am happy here, since before winning the Copa. I am thankful for all this they make me feel every time I come to Argentina,” Messi said.

Asked about him continuing with the national team after Qatar, Messi, who turns 35 in June, said: “I don’t know, the truth is I don’t know. I think about that is coming, which is close, Ecuador (on Tuesday). The preparation matches in June and September.”

“Let’s hope these go the best way possible. But for sure after the World Cup many things will change.” Messi, who was recently booed by Paris Saint-Germain fans, appeared pleased after scoring the third goal of the match Friday and receiving enthusiastic support from the spectators at the La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay have already secured the region’s four direct spots in Qatar later this year. Peru (21 points), Colombia (20) and Chile (19) will play in the last round on Tuesday for fifth place, which qualifies for an international playoff with an Asian team.

Argentina opened the scoring with Nico González from close range in the 35th minute after a low cross by Rodrigo de Paul. Ángel di Maria, another player who is under fire in France, netted the second in the 79th minute, lobbing the Venezuelan goalkeeper after an assist by De Paul.

Messi and Brazil star Neymar have both faced criticism in France after their club’s loss to Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

https://indianexpress.com/article/s...uture-after-argentina-beat-venezuela-7837139/

 

[silentkiller187]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy Birthday to Lionel Messi who turns 35 today <br><br> 974 Games<br>️ 769 Goals<br> 331 Assists<br><br> 1 x Olympic Gold Medal<br> 1 x Copa America<br> 1 x Finalissima<br> 1 x Ligue 1<br> 3 x UEFA Super Cup<br> 4 x Champions League<br> 7 x Ballon d'Or <br> 10 x La Liga <a href="https://t.co/0L0fOfZZwT">pic.twitter.com/0L0fOfZZwT</a></p>— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) <a href="https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1540269191776854016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Waleed93]

One of the two greatest players to have ever existed.

Happy Birthday, Leo.

 

[Firebat]

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Lionel Messi's "chapter" at Barcelona is "not over" after the 35-year-old Argentina playmaker ended his 21-year spell at the club and joined Paris St-Germain last summer. (ESPN)

 

[Firebat]

Paris St-Germain are planning to offer Lionel Messi a new contract and Barcelona are interested in re-signing the Argentina forward, but the 35-year-old will not make a decision on his future until after the World Cup. (Fabrizio Romano)

 

[Firebat]

Argentina forward Lionel Messi, 35, is set to leave Paris St-Germain in the summer as he will refuse any new contract offer. (Beteve, via Star)

 

[Firebat]

Paris St-Germain forward Lionel Messi, 35, could return to Barcelona according to vice president Eduard Romenu, who told Spanish radio station El Mati de Catalunya Radio that a move for the Argentina striker could be "viable." (The Sun)

 

[Firebat]

Lionel Messi: Argentina forward says Qatar 2022 will 'surely' be his last World Cup

Lionel Messi says November's World Cup in Qatar will "surely" be his last.

The 35-year-old Paris St-Germain forward has played at four World Cups with Argentina, scoring six goals and making five assists in 19 appearances.

He earned a runners-up medal in 2014, and after captaining his country to the Copa America title in 2021, the World Cup is the sole major trophy missing from Messi's illustrious collection.

"It's my last World Cup, surely," he said.

Speaking to ESPN, Messi added: "I'm counting down the days to the World Cup. There is anxiety and nerves at the same time. Wanting it to be now, what is going to happen, and ultimately, how is it going to go?"

Messi made his international debut in 2005 and has gone on to make a total of 164 appearances for Argentina, scoring 90 goals.

In reaching his fifth World Cup, he will surpass the previous record for an Argentina player he jointly held with Diego Maradona and Javier Mascherano.

Argentina are ranked third in the Fifa world rankings, and face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C at the World Cup, which starts on 20 November.

"In a World Cup, anything can happen. All the matches are very tough. The favourites don't always end up winning," Messi said.

"I don't know if we're the favourites, but Argentina is always a candidate because of its history. Now even more so because of the moment we're in, but we are not the favourites. I think there are other teams that are above us."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63166171

 

[MenInG]

Qatar: Tournament favourites Argentina suffered a shock loss against Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The loss meant that Argentina captain Lionel Messi was on the radar of the fans who slammed him on social media.

Argentina will next take on Mexico in their second game of the tournament. Ahead of the game, Messi shared a picture of legendary footballer Diego Maradona on his second death anniversary. Messi uploaded a picture of Maradona without any caption. Messi was a huge fan of Maradona and had the utmost respect for him.

Messi’s gesture comes days after Maradona’s son criticized Messi following shock loss against Saudi Arabia. “I am devastated by this defeat.”

“The comparison between Messi and my dad is made by those who do not understand football. We are talking about two different planets, but I do not want to immediately throw the cross at Lionel,” he added.

The Group C game against Mexico is a must-win for Argentina as a loss will get their campaign in jeopardy. Argentina though will be confident of getting past Mexico. The two teams have met thrice at the World Cup stage with Argentina winning all three times. In case Argentina lose, it will be a first instance of them losing the first two games in a World Cup.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...ds-son-following-loss-to-saudi-arabia-1054542

 

[MenInG]

Lionel Messi moves level with Diego Maradona for the most World Cup appearances for Argentina &#55356;&#56806;&#55356;&#56823; at 21

 

[Firebat]

Paris St-Germain and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, 35, is set to agree a deal to join Inter Miami next season. (Times)

 

[MenInG]

Champion boxer Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez issued a warning to Lionel Messi after a video emerged of him celebrating Argentina's 2-0 win over Mexico with a Mexican jersey on the floor.

"He had better ask God that I don't find him!!"

 

[MenInG]

Lionel Messi plays his 1000th career game tonight against Australia

️ Goals: 788
Assists: 385
Trophies: 41
Ballon D’ors: 7
Hat tricks: 54
Games won: 682

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lionel Andrés Messi on his 1,000th senior game. Goal number 9 at the World Cup in his career. ️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qatar2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> <a href="https://t.co/rwLcncXfJU">pic.twitter.com/rwLcncXfJU</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1599125774262337541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[James]

Lionel Messi plays his 1000th career game tonight against Australia

️ Goals: 788
Assists: 385
Trophies: 41
Ballon D’ors: 7
Hat tricks: 54
Games won: 682

Dizzying numbers, incredible !

 

[Mamoon]

When the world thought Messi was finished, he has turned up & produced a golden ball-worthy performance. He has been simply phenomenal in this World Cup & will most certainly win his second golden ball if Argentina make the finals.

Simply the greatest of all time. There has never been a better individual footballer & he has really shined as a leader & a talisman for Argentina.

If you don’t think he is the GOAT, you don’t know anything about football. It is that simple.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Finally producing in a World Cup what we have seen him do for Barcelona his whole career. If he wants to be the all time GOAT he has to win the world cup though. That's what Maradona did singlehandely.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He's playing like he's still got a few years left at the top level.

Is the next world cup a possibility?

 

[gazza619]

Lucky to watch him today. What a man!

 

[The_KING]

What a player. What a man! I love this guy. I have been following his career since 2005 but I still get amazed by the way he plays. He is 35, so doesn't have many years left as a footballer, so enjoy him while it lasts.

 

[The_KING]

Finally producing in a World Cup what we have seen him do for Barcelona his whole career. If he wants to be the all time GOAT he has to win the world cup though. That's what Maradona did singlehandely.

Finally producing in a world cup? He literally was the golden ball winner for the 2014 world cup.

And it is a bit unfair to judge a player's legacy based on the outcome of one tournament, especially in a team sport like football where the outcome isn't just determined by what you do, but also what your team mates do. Had Higuan not missed an easy one on one against Germany in the final of the 2014 world cup, Messi most likely would already have won a world cup. That is why I don't subscribe to this idea that Messi has to win the world cup to be considered a goat.

 

[Mamoon]

He's playing like he's still got a few years left at the top level.

Is the next world cup a possibility?

Unlike Ronaldo, he is so much more than just goals. He will be 39 in 2026 & there is no doubt he will still have the technical ability & the genius touch.

However, a lot will depend on his physical condition & if he has the legs. I think if Argentina fall short this time again he might reconsider & go for one final push in 2026.

 

[Mamoon]

Finally producing in a world cup? He literally was the golden ball winner for the 2014 world cup.

And it is a bit unfair to judge a player's legacy based on the outcome of one tournament, especially in a team sport like football where the outcome isn't just determined by what you do, but also what your team mates do. Had Higuan not missed an easy one on one against Germany in the final of the 2014 world cup, Messi most likely would already have won a world cup. That is why I don't subscribe to this idea that Messi has to win the world cup to be considered a goat.

At this point it can be argued that the World Cup trophy needs Messi as much as Messi needs the World Cup trophy.

 

[Mamoon]

What a player. What a man! I love this guy. I have been following his career since 2005 but I still get amazed by the way he plays. He is 35, so doesn't have many years left as a footballer, so enjoy him while it lasts.

The craziest thing about Messi is that even if you take out all his career goals, you still have arguably the greatest playmaker & passer of all time. This is why he is the GOAT & by some distance.

Simply the greatest individual player to ever touch a football.

Judging an individual player by team trophies is idiocy of the highest order. Jordan Henderson has a Premier League winners medal but Gerrard doesn’t.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Finally producing in a world cup? He literally was the golden ball winner for the 2014 world cup.

And it is a bit unfair to judge a player's legacy based on the outcome of one tournament, especially in a team sport like football where the outcome isn't just determined by what you do, but also what your team mates do. Had Higuan not missed an easy one on one against Germany in the final of the 2014 world cup, Messi most likely would already have won a world cup. That is why I don't subscribe to this idea that Messi has to win the world cup to be considered a goat.

He is a goat. He just isn't the GOAT. But he still can claim it, Argentina are still in it.

 

[Technics 1210]

Even if Messi wins the world cup, he will never be THE Goat - Maradona, who single handedly won the World Cup, and single handedly won Series A for Napoli (twice), AND lead Napoli to champions of Europe in 89. This was also at a time when vicious tackles were rampant, compared with today's stringent rules on tackling.

Golden boot is meaningless, in 1986, Maradona's World Cup, Gary Linekar won the Golden Boot. It's not the number of goals you score in the WC, it's when you score the goals that count towards greatness.

Don't take my word on it, just go ask Argentianans, Maradona is THE Goat.

 

[JaDed]

It’s unfortunate to compare greats of different eras, Messi is defn been the best in last 15 years.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think Messi is easily the best player in my lifetime.

He can be considered as greatest of all time if he can win the World Cup this time.

 

[The_KING]

The craziest thing about Messi is that even if you take out all his career goals, you still have arguably the greatest playmaker & passer of all time. This is why he is the GOAT & by some distance.

Simply the greatest individual player to ever touch a football.

Judging an individual player by team trophies is idiocy of the highest order. Jordan Henderson has a Premier League winners medal but Gerrard doesn’t.

I remember reading a comment a long time ago that went something like "Messi is the greatest striker, greatest winger, greatest attacking midfielder and greatest central midfielder." When you consider Messi's goal scoring ability, goal creating ability, passing ability and dribbling ability, that comment seems so true. Messi is simply the greatest footballer I have seen and I don't need to use any stats to justify that. Using stats is the job of Ronaldo fans.

 

[MenInG]

It just had to be him.

On his 1,000th appearance in professional football and his 100th game as Argentina captain, Lionel Messi stepped up again to keep his country's World Cup dream alive.

In his fifth World Cup, the 'magician' finally scored his first ever World Cup knockout goal as Argentina took another step to ending their 36-year wait for World Cup glory with a 2-1 second-round win against Australia.

After a nervy opening half-hour, Messi intervened to open the scoring and from there it was mostly plain sailing at an absolutely bouncing Ahmad bin Ali Stadium - until a late goal from the gallant Australians gave Argentina one almighty scare.

The Argentines now face a mouth-watering quarter-final against the Dutch with the hopes of a nation once again inevitably resting on their number 10, who is now the tournament's joint-top scorer with three goals.

Messi, who scored his 789th career goal, said: "I am happy for taking another step forward, achieving another objective. It was a very strong and difficult match."

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand said on BBC One: "The best individual performance from a player at this World Cup. It was almost god-like. I've not seen anything like this.

"How is he doing this? He is embarrassing players with his head up. He's taking people on and is able to see the whole pitch, where people are. He is phenomenal."

It's the Argentina song that has gone viral back home.

The players have been videoed chanting it and it was those lyrics - translated as 'Boys, now we got excited again' - that were on the lips of supporters before, during and after the game.

Albiceleste faithful were bouncing on the metro and in the stands as they sang it on repeat and they witnessed a masterclass from 35-year-old Messi.

Sharp intakes of breath echoed around Ahmad bin Ali every time the little left-footer got his famous boot on the ball and he rocked the stadium with a delightful opener.

There was only one outcome when the ball dropped to him in the box, caressing a nerveless finish into the far corner to set Argentina on their way.

Fans were left chanting "Messi, Messi, Messi" at the final whistle and he joined his team-mates in jumping up and down in front of their adoring following long after the end.

Messi said: "These are amazing feelings, I am really happy to share their beautiful moment with the fans. I know how much effort they have put into coming here and I know the whole of Argentina wants to be here. The bonds, the union we have is something beautiful.

"It is unbelievable the fans' passion, energy and joy. It is unbelievable. They are living it from inside and I see how they suffer and enjoy it. That is spectacular. They are excited, as all Argentinians are."

Former England captain Alan Shearer said on BBC One: "We're so lucky to be in this stadium to watch him. What a performance from him, we've talked about his ability, the hunger and desire.

"The ability to run with the ball which attracts so many players, allowing him to free up his team-mates.

"The way Messi works that space, the way he carries the ball when there is much going on around him. He's got everything.

"Whenever he gets the ball the whole stadium gets on its feet. It doesn't matter where he is on the pitch, the whole stadium rises."

Messi's goal was remarkably his first in the knockout stage of a World Cup but his total of nine is just one shy of Gabriel Batistuta's record for Argentina.

Against Australia, he completed 90% of his passes, created four chances and had nine touches in the opposition area.

Socceroos boss Graham Arnold added: "He is incredible. One of the greatest ever. We really worked hard not to be in awe of him but he is remarkable.

"Argentina should be so proud and happy they have players of that calibre."

Similarities to 1986?

Report
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina are chasing a third world crown - the last coming in 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired them to lift the trophy.

Walking outside the stadium, it was a sea of Argentina number 10 shirts with the names of both Messi and Maradona printed on the backs.

BBC presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker played against Maradona in 1986, in a quarter-final made infamous by the Argentina star punching the ball into the net for the game's opening goal.

Lineker said: "It does remind me a bit of 1986 and the side with Maradona. Hard to play against, tough, enduring tough games and seeing their way through.

"They were difficult to beat and relied on the magic of Maradona. There are so many similarities. Maradona was at his peak, Messi is obviously coming to the end of his career. But can they do it?

"He does things I've not seen any other player except probably Maradona do. And to have two of those players, both left-footed and both from the same country, both small...

"Different eras, enjoy them both."

Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta added: "We are still relying on Messi too much. The first half was not good enough and we needed to play a lot quicker.

"When Messi is on the ball, he is the only one who brings so much danger and a real threat going forward."

Messi by numbers
Messi became the oldest Argentine to score a World Cup knockout goal - taking the 'record' off Roberto Ayala.
He is one of only six players to appear at five different World Cups.
He is the second player to score at least three World Cup goals after his 35th birthday, after Roger Milla (five) for Cameroon.