I think it is best if we all take a break to be honest. If you get on the defensive, then you are seen to be a fanboy, but if you don't get on the defensive, then it gives you the impression that you don't care. You cannot win in this situation. Yes, I am guilty of being a fan of Messi, and I have all of his stats ever since he was playing for the juveniles. Having good solid facts and statistics tell the story of a young player who was simply destined to be a great footballer. As I mentioned earlier, great players try to dig their team out of the mire and Messi did just that all on his own with a support cast that were only just out of La Masia most of the time. Villa was injured for half the season, Xavi and Iniesta were not playing at their best. Someone had to take up that responsibility and he did.
At the end of last season, I was the first to question as to whether he has the hunger and the ability to try and beat last seasons total. To be honest, why should he try to beat it, he did everything and more and they still came second so, what is the point. The way he started this season was sluggish to say the least and I thought there was no way he is even going to attempt last seasons total. How wrong I was, and to see that he still has the desire and the ability to want to score, to help the team, which is another positive about him. So far, he has 25 goals in 16 league games, and is halfway to beating his record with another 22 games to go. He has scored 34 goals this season so far, which puts him 39 behind his record of 73 for the season. At most, there are about 30+ games left in la liga and the Champions League. He has a great chance of pushing the bar even higher.