I remember the 16/17 season like it was yesterday. Messi was phenomenal, but he was growing older. Closing in on 30. At the time, there were already rumors about Messi’s desire to end his career in MLS. Now, I expected it to happen sooner rather than later. Why?
Neymar. It felt like Messi passed on the torch to the Brazilian who turned 25 years old. The heir. Barca’s new leader. Ronaldinho to Messi, Messi to Neymar.
The 6-1 win against PSG felt like the crowning of a new king.
The 6-1 win against PSG felt like the crowning of a new king.
Neymar orchestrated the comeback. In the second half, he won a penalty, before scoring twice and assisting the winner all in the last seven minutes of the game.
For me, it felt like the beginning of a new era. I couldn’t be more wrong…
For me, it felt like the beginning of a new era. I couldn’t be more wrong…
Football is unpredictable. Making the right career choices is essential, and Neymar decided to leave Barca the following summer, only to dream of a return each year since. No better place than Barca.
While I expected Messi to decline, he did the unimaginable.
While I expected Messi to decline, he did the unimaginable.
He evolved. Messi from the 17/18 season and forward is the most complete footballer I have ever seen.
In 2018 & 2019 he scored more free kicks than ever before. Messi dictated the game from deeper areas, combined with teammates, and remained decisive in the final third.
In 2018 & 2019 he scored more free kicks than ever before. Messi dictated the game from deeper areas, combined with teammates, and remained decisive in the final third.
A full time playmaker outscoring the best goal scorers. He improved his surroundings in ways I have never seen before, and that allowed him to continue scoring goals. He used his teammates. Made them better.
If you want to understand what I am talking about, look up Messi vs Tottenham in the 18/19 season on YouTube. What you will witness is football in it’s purest form. Unrepeatable.
In the 16/17 season, I wouldn’t in my wildest dreams imagine that Messi would go on to win 2 more Ballon d’Or’s, and three trophies with his national team, including the World Cup 🏆
Messi decided to step down yesterday. It was his own choice, and he left while being on top. He left as a world champion, with the most assists, expected assists & through balls in the top 5 leagues. While being 35 years old, he also completed the second most dribbles…
Messi could have played another season at the highest level, but he leaves Europe as the Messi we all remember. Some don’t know when to stop and are forced to quit, which hurts their legacy.
Messi decided for himself. He steps down as a happy man.
Messi decided for himself. He steps down as a happy man.
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