The phenomenon that is Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has, by anyone’s standards, defied all logic in the footballing world over the last few years. Ever since his La Liga debut against RCD Espanyol on 16 October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days of age) during the Frank Rijkaard era at Barça, it was clear that here was a player whose impact and legacy on the game would be immeasurable. When such luminaries as Cruyff, Platini, Maradona and Di Stefano tell you the boy is a bit special, then you sit up and take notice. Comparisons with Pele and Maradona as the best player to have ever played the game have dogged Messi ever since, but such an argument remains completely subjective. What should analysis be based upon? Trophies won, records broken, goals scored, quality of opposition, how often the player has provided a pivotal moment for his team? It really is impossible to come to any sort of meaningful conclusion. Those who have been lucky enough to see M