He just takes free kicks atm like Pirlo always did, as he just walks for the whole game.
Lionel Messi - Performances
- Thread starter Rado_N
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Lionel Messi contract offer hindered by Barcelona’s spending caps, says CEO
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/11/lionel-messi-barcelona-contract-offer-spending-caps
More freekick goals in 2017 than the ballon d'or winner had since 2015, not bad
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When I sit down and watch Messi play I watch for one reason.
Somewhere in ninety minutes he's going to do something absolutely special that makes you stunned, and I can't say a game yet where he hasn't done that, there's nobody in world football that plays football like him.
Truly remarkable and how he doesn't have more Ballon d'Ors I don't know.
I always liked this quote:
"Comparing anyone to Messi is an exercise of ignorance. Messi is Messi and others, footballers." - Miguel Lotina
Somewhere in ninety minutes he's going to do something absolutely special that makes you stunned, and I can't say a game yet where he hasn't done that, there's nobody in world football that plays football like him.
Truly remarkable and how he doesn't have more Ballon d'Ors I don't know.
I always liked this quote:
"Comparing anyone to Messi is an exercise of ignorance. Messi is Messi and others, footballers." - Miguel Lotina
Very true - he is head and shoulders above anyone else and has been for many years. Nobody comes close imo.
Free kick master?
Can't believe he's their third best paid player 
How the hell.
How the hell.
There's no way they earn these numbers. 25m net for each and then they link a source that says the basic annual first-team wage bill for Barcelona is 164m £Can't believe he's their third best paid player
How the hell.
He's not. I'm not sure how much Neymar's new contract is worth a year(it's either €15M or €25M), but Messi wages are higher than suarez's(€23M after tax vs €15M)Can't believe he's their third best paid player
How the hell.
If I'm not wrong, there is another thread for this guff, so take it there.
The OP couldn't have been more clear
http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/sto...si-would-not-be-as-good-without-his-teammates
Former coach who trained Messi at youth level said that Messi would not be as good without his teammates and has gotten the sack for it.
Also speculation that this from Pique last week wasn't directed at the Referee Board but at Barcas board.
https://en.sportyou.com/pique-so-what-then-yes-you-you-did-you-see-it-648022 (could have been about the referees though, just a strange one).
Unsettled or just tabloid talk? weird that Gratacos gets the sack over his comments.
Former coach who trained Messi at youth level said that Messi would not be as good without his teammates and has gotten the sack for it.
Also speculation that this from Pique last week wasn't directed at the Referee Board but at Barcas board.
https://en.sportyou.com/pique-so-what-then-yes-you-you-did-you-see-it-648022 (could have been about the referees though, just a strange one).
Unsettled or just tabloid talk? weird that Gratacos gets the sack over his comments.
That was too much I think
But it's around the world right now
BTW
At 7:40...is that him?
But it's around the world right now
BTW
At 7:40...is that him?
Excerpts from recent interview at Coach Magazine UK of Leo:
Which player did you want to emulate growing up?
Of course I admired Maradona, he was a real inspiration for me. Also when Pablo Aimar started to break through, I used to really enjoy watching him play.
Who helped you settle when you first got to Barcelona?
It was difficult for me leaving my country, but I became good friends with Cesc Fabregas at La Masia and we are still good friends now.
Which manager or coach has had the greatest effect on you as a player?
All the coaches I have played under I have learnt things from, but you always look back to the one that gave you that first chance – that was [Frank] Rikjaard for me. He had to show that trust in me to train with the first team, then play my first game – he started everything for me.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
I needed hormone injections when I was a child as I wasn’t growing fast enough and Barcelona agreed to pay for them. Although that wasn’t the reason we moved, as a family we did move to Spain when I was 13. It was the best decision we could have made, but as a young boy, leaving your home and your friends for the unknown…that was challenging.
What motivates you?
To win trophies for my club and country. That is why I never look back at my success. I can do that when I am retired, for now it is about looking forward to more success.
Why do you work so well with Suarez and Neymar?
Firstly we work really hard in training to make happen what happens in games. We do have a really good natural connection though – good friendships with each other away from football – and that helps.
Would you consider playing in the Premier League?
I have always said that Barcelona has given me everything and I am here for as long as they want me to be.
Who do you think is going to win the Premier League this season?
It is a very competitive league, last season showed that, so it makes it very difficult to predict. Of course Pep is a very successful coach, he will be adjusting to the league, but I am sure that he will be successful.
Who’s the best British player you’ve played against?
Over the years we have faced many British teams in Europe and come up against many good players, but I have always had a big respect for Wayne Rooney. He has played at the highest level for many years and is one of the special players of the generation.
Who convinced you to play for Argentina again?
After the disappointment of losing the final I had time to think and to speak with people, and I felt it was the right option to reverse my decision. I still have big ambitions to win a trophy with Argentina.
What’s the favourite goal you’ve scored?
I choose this one not because of the beauty, but because of the importance. It was the header I scored in the Champions League final in 2009. We were 1-0 up and that goal killed the game.
Which is more important: A wonder goal of individual brilliance or a deciding goal in a final?
Always the deciding goal. What use is a goal of brilliance if you do not win the competition?
What’s the most important trophy you’ve won?
At Barcelona we want to win everything. At the start of the season there is an expectation that we can win everything, we try not to prioritise or make one trophy more important than another.
When Coach spoke to Ronaldo, he spoke of the “big mutual respect” between the two of you. How do you view Ronaldo? Has playing at the same time as another all-time great motivated you?
There is a mutual respect. I view him as a great player who has achieved great things because that is exactly what he is. My motivation, though, has always come from wanting to do well for Barcelona and Argentina, and the fans.
What’s the most important lesson football taught you?
That I hate to lose. It does not just affect me for a few hours after the game, but for longer. I can not stand the feeling to lose. You can use that to make sure you give everything you need to to win.
Would you change any of your ratings in FIFA 17?
The whole game is always pretty accurate!
Which player did you want to emulate growing up?
Of course I admired Maradona, he was a real inspiration for me. Also when Pablo Aimar started to break through, I used to really enjoy watching him play.
Who helped you settle when you first got to Barcelona?
It was difficult for me leaving my country, but I became good friends with Cesc Fabregas at La Masia and we are still good friends now.
Which manager or coach has had the greatest effect on you as a player?
All the coaches I have played under I have learnt things from, but you always look back to the one that gave you that first chance – that was [Frank] Rikjaard for me. He had to show that trust in me to train with the first team, then play my first game – he started everything for me.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
I needed hormone injections when I was a child as I wasn’t growing fast enough and Barcelona agreed to pay for them. Although that wasn’t the reason we moved, as a family we did move to Spain when I was 13. It was the best decision we could have made, but as a young boy, leaving your home and your friends for the unknown…that was challenging.
What motivates you?
To win trophies for my club and country. That is why I never look back at my success. I can do that when I am retired, for now it is about looking forward to more success.
Why do you work so well with Suarez and Neymar?
Firstly we work really hard in training to make happen what happens in games. We do have a really good natural connection though – good friendships with each other away from football – and that helps.
Would you consider playing in the Premier League?
I have always said that Barcelona has given me everything and I am here for as long as they want me to be.
Who do you think is going to win the Premier League this season?
It is a very competitive league, last season showed that, so it makes it very difficult to predict. Of course Pep is a very successful coach, he will be adjusting to the league, but I am sure that he will be successful.
Who’s the best British player you’ve played against?
Over the years we have faced many British teams in Europe and come up against many good players, but I have always had a big respect for Wayne Rooney. He has played at the highest level for many years and is one of the special players of the generation.
Who convinced you to play for Argentina again?
After the disappointment of losing the final I had time to think and to speak with people, and I felt it was the right option to reverse my decision. I still have big ambitions to win a trophy with Argentina.
What’s the favourite goal you’ve scored?
I choose this one not because of the beauty, but because of the importance. It was the header I scored in the Champions League final in 2009. We were 1-0 up and that goal killed the game.
Which is more important: A wonder goal of individual brilliance or a deciding goal in a final?
Always the deciding goal. What use is a goal of brilliance if you do not win the competition?
What’s the most important trophy you’ve won?
At Barcelona we want to win everything. At the start of the season there is an expectation that we can win everything, we try not to prioritise or make one trophy more important than another.
When Coach spoke to Ronaldo, he spoke of the “big mutual respect” between the two of you. How do you view Ronaldo? Has playing at the same time as another all-time great motivated you?
There is a mutual respect. I view him as a great player who has achieved great things because that is exactly what he is. My motivation, though, has always come from wanting to do well for Barcelona and Argentina, and the fans.
What’s the most important lesson football taught you?
That I hate to lose. It does not just affect me for a few hours after the game, but for longer. I can not stand the feeling to lose. You can use that to make sure you give everything you need to to win.
Would you change any of your ratings in FIFA 17?
The whole game is always pretty accurate!
a "discrete" game from Messi: 1 goal, 2 assists, involved in all 5 goals.
According to AS, Messi yesterday played as a total footballer more than ever, playing all over the centre field and the attacking position. He touched the ball 63 times and only missed 5 passes. He shot towards the goal twice: an amazing goal, and a great save by the keeper from a FK.
But Ronaldo has this many goals in this many games.
He also won the Balon D'or so he has to be better right?
He also won the Balon D'or so he has to be better right?
They kicked the shit out of him, I am not sure if there's one player left who still gets so much beating regulary. Shame about that free kick too.
Btw, Neymar is shit.
Btw, Neymar is shit.
So much beating regularly coupled with so little protection as well, unlike others who benefit from the whistle - must be the marketing
Bruh
I wouldn't say shit.
9 goals and 14 assists. He has been poor in front of goal though. Yet still remains a threat in most games.
His all around play is far from great, and even going by stats, all 5(!!!) of his goals in La Liga were in games which Barcelona won by scoring either 4 or 5 goals and one high scoring loss: 5-1 vs Leganes(1 goal), 5-0 vs Gijon(2 goals), 4-0 vs Eibar(1 goal), and one goal in 4-3 loss against Celta. Also has 4 assists in CL in 7-0 game against Celtic.
Absolutely
Nowhere near the level of Suarez and Messi.
Neymar can definitely do better but shit is hyperbolic nonsense, especially comparing to the greatest striker and player in the game - by that metric everyone is shit
Quite awful today. The way he lost the ball for PSG's second goal without even bothering to walk back was terrible.
Yeah i would hazard a guess and say that was his worse half of the season? Though the whole of barcelona have been terrible.
Gone under the readar but, he's been poor for a while.
Really poor, but their midfield is just awful nowadays.
It doesn't help that Roberto is not good at RB. Messi comes centrally too much and leaves the right flank exposed too much.
They've become a very unbalanced side. They need a change of manager.
It doesn't help that Roberto is not good at RB. Messi comes centrally too much and leaves the right flank exposed too much.
They've become a very unbalanced side. They need a change of manager.
They are terrible for a long period now, only difference is usually Messi wins them the games with little help of Neymar and Suarez but against a very good and compact team they are not enough today.
Must be so annoying to press like a madman and have Messi not giving a toss five feet from a player. It doesn't matter if Suarez and Neymar press their goalie and defenders when Messi just stands around.
Poor as I've ever seen him tonight
Sounds like Barça have got two weeks to sought out his payrise.
No hunger from him or Barca tonight.
Remember that Messi argued for a relieve (of responsibilities... in lay man terms, this team is crap). The Barcelona board will have a real battle on their hands with a new contract.
He's probably the only player that should be allowed to conserve energy for attacks.
17 touches in that first half from Messi. His lowest in a single half for nine years.
No service. Although his work rate is zero.
No service. Although his work rate is zero.
He's been carrying Barcelona all season, he was poor today and it reflected on just how average Barca are. They need a new midfield, an actual RB playing at RB and possibly a new CB.
His worst game. That I can remember anyway.
This. And this is the sign that Lucho's time is done at this team. He's lost the dressing room. 0-3 and the players couldn't be arsed to wrestle for the ball. Emery and PSG just ran over Lucho's 16-17 Barcelona.
His off the ball movement has to be better. Comes centrally so much, congests the field. Leaves the right flank exposed. No work-rate.
That said, he has carried Barcelona this season masking their poor overall play.
That said, he has carried Barcelona this season masking their poor overall play.