Lionel Messi

[wavydavy]

It's impossible to say Messi is better than Pele or Maradona, it is a discussion without a correct 'end off' answer. Diferent generations posed diferent problems. Look at the agricultural defending Pele and Maradona had to endure for one thing, ferocious tackling lke they had in the 60's, 70's and early 80's just doesn't exist now. However they are 3 of the all time greats without question. Zidane as well, a totally incredible player to watch. We are lucky to get to see Messi in an era where football is televised to the level it is. I am sure if SKY had been around in the time of Maradona and Pele, we would have got to see a lot more of them as well.

Fantastic post. It is IMO indeed a VERY tedious discussion. You can only be the best of your time. There's a top tier and I personally think it's best left at that. Puskas, Di Stefano,Pele,Maradona(my fave FWIW) ,Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Platini,ZZ,Messi etc. Then a 2nd tier. Moore, Muller, Best , Dalglish, Breitner, Matthaus, Ronaldo, Maldini, Henry, Bergkamp etc. Then a 3rd and so on.

[Buzzo]

The only way to put it is, Pele was the greatest of his generation, Maradonna was the greatest of his, now Messi is the greatest of this.

end of.

[Daniel 7]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4fzeK3SQa4"]Fantasy Football League - Pele Was ****e - YouTube[/ame]

[Daniel 7]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vttuYis46A0"]maradona fight against bilbao - YouTube[/ame]

[Daniel 7]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijTc-CRO-0g"]Lionel Messi singing and dancing with bad haircut and a few extra pounds - YouTube[/ame]

[Daniel 7]

YOU decide...

[AnfieldForever]

The third goal was ridiculous, it seems to bobble a bit before he hits it and it makes no difference.

It might be that video, but is he actually getting quicker?

[colin85]

I'd love to see Messi given a pair of old style boots and the old harder leather football and see how he does

[-V-]

He's unbelievable. Even when you think he's done it all and he's all set for a summer holiday he pops up and scores a hat-trick against Brazil. How many players score hat-tricks against Brazil.

His 3rd goal was simply outstanding

[Tee]

Yep, his third goal really was just something else. Total and utter genius.

On a side note, the Brazilian player Oscar looked more than a touch useful.

[Bender]

He is the greatest of all time bar none!

zidane

[cream]

The Pele/Maradonna debate has now become the Pele/Maradonna/Messi debate. Says it all really.

[Daniel 7]

zidane

Paulo Futre

[Neil Young]

The Pele/Maradonna debate has now become the Pele/Maradonna/Messi debate. Says it all really.

Good point.

[Buzzo]

Fantastic post. It is IMO indeed a VERY tedious discussion. You can only be the best of your time. There's a top tier and I personally think it's best left at that. Puskas, Di Stefano,Pele,Maradona(my fave FWIW) ,Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Platini,ZZ,Messi etc. Then a 2nd tier. Moore, Muller, Best , Dalglish, Breitner, Matthaus, Ronaldo, Maldini, Henry, Bergkamp etc. Then a 3rd and so on.

Definitely. People get way too hung up on this 'best player ever' tag. Its totally subjective. Hard to argue with your top tier and to be in that top tier is all a player can strive for. Players like Zidane and Platini are often over looked in these polls which tend to focus n guys who bagged loads of goals. Messi is easily the best player on the planet just now, and his name sits comfortably in the company you have placed him.