Flip

Pele did everything Messi has done and more.

Neymar is 5 years younger, not even that great and has had a better international career than Messi already basically, all this playing in one of the worst Brazilian sides I've seen while Messi has had one of the most talented sides. It's obviously fair to criticize Messi's international career. He's won one Olympic gold and he wasn't even the main man then. He's still the best one I've seen live, but to say he's been great since Maradona left and put his international 'failure' on Maradona rather than Messi himself is laughable.

That's simply not true anymore like. He underperformed in the final, but he was the player that got them there in the first place despite still being injured. Argentina didn't play to his strengths for a long time. Stop it. It's very true for all WC kncokout stages and Copa America knogkoutstages he's been in. I'm saying, it's not true anymore. Since Maradona left he's been loads better for Argentina. Maradona left before the 2011 Copa America where Argentina (where Tevez also played) were as big of disappointments as Brazil and Messi didn't perform at what is expected. At the World Cup he wasn't good either, tbh his best WC came under Maradona in 2010, because despite not scoring many goals he was constantly a threat. In Brazil it was the other way around, he wasn't fantastic but was scoring goals in the group stage. But in terms of vital game (talking purely knockout stages) he's been well below par. Doesn't take away from the fact that he's the best I've seen.

Ehhhhhhhhhh

That's simply not true anymore like. He underperformed in the final, but he was the player that got them there in the first place despite still being injured. Argentina didn't play to his strengths for a long time. Stop it. It's very true for all WC kncokout stages and Copa America knogkoutstages he's been in.

He's always underperformed for the national team at vital stages. My only negative thing on him. Clearly the best I've seen anyways.

Great to see a decent atmosphere at a womens game for once. Hope the other games have decent attendance.

Ronaldo wasn't human vs us in the World Cup. f*** that game. I've never been angrier at a match we didn't actually lose.

No way Messi was the best player on the pitch, no way. But like you said, he had one moment that ended with a goal that was very good. But he was very much below his standards today. Iniesta and Busquets were so good in possession tonight. I kind of agree and disagree tbh. He was below his standards but IMO if any other player played like that they'd be seen as one of the best on the pitch. Great ball to Alba before the first goal, great for the second goal and also a good pass for the third. Most touches of the ball by any player, was constantly on the ball doing little passes. I know stats don't prove everything but whoscored.com had him as man of the match Fair enough if that's your opinion, I just cant' see it. Over 90 minutes this might have been his worst performance since December or something. Wasn't bad or anything, just didn't have a very good game imo.

No way Messi was the best player on the pitch, no way. But like you said, he had one moment that ended with a goal that was very good. But he was very much below his standards today. Iniesta and Busquets were so good in possession tonight. Aye i agree with Triggs general point but tonight isn't really a reason a why. Lovely avatar

He did his best to ruin the counter. Intelligence, he wanted that goal

No way Messi was the best player on the pitch, no way. But like you said, he had one moment that ended with a goal that was very good. But he was very much below his standards today. Iniesta and Busquets were so good in possession tonight.

Youre not too shabby after all Pip

How can it not be ffs? Because the rule is deliberate handball which it wasn't. The f*** man, if it hits your arm and it's in the air it's a handball, but header it off your own outstretched arm and it's fine? So clearly a penalty in the first half then What? No What? It hits lichtensteiners arm in air.

How can it not be ffs? Because the rule is deliberate handball which it wasn't. The f*** man, if it hits your arm and it's in the air it's a handball, but header it off your own outstretched arm and it's fine? So clearly a penalty in the first half then

Get some glasses you Scottish t***. I can't help thinking there isn't enough respect for one's fellow poster on here. Look at this guy

I'm pumped for tonight. Haven't been looking forward to a game this much since the seven goal bumming.

Extremely important for the city of Madrid and Rafa himself that they have your support. You don't have to be a silly guy every day Flip.

Cruzeiro sacked their manager after winning two consecutive league titles and having a bad start to this season Seems a bit harsh especially considering they sold their three best players and their new players have been poor.

Extremely important for the city of Madrid and Rafa himself that they have your support.

Zico is thinking of candidating. Too bad for him that he is one of the few Brazilians that hasn't really been caught being corrupt or have that personality tbh. The guy could be excellent, but there's no way Brazil should be allowed close to that position after Havelange, Teixeira and Marin. NO WAY. But I would love an ex-player like Figo that seems like an intelligent person and who would put football above politics.

I really wish I hadn't used my real name on here, everything is so much more hurtful.

I want the excitement as well. Appointing Vieira would mean a fresh start for many I'd believe while McClaren appointment would only receive doubt and same old story. Garde, Vieira or any foreign manager means a change at least. Something that is deeply needed at this club since the owner ain't leaving soon.

Think he's exciting personally. Unproven could mean it all, rather that than getting someone who will always have us in a mediocre position. Obviously wouldn't be my first choice if I could pick whoever, but from the options so far I'd like to see him given a go.

They aren't. This guy is on another level. The only one to come close was Ronaldo if he hadn't been done by his knees 24times and even then I'm certain he'd never be at Messi's level anyways. Zidane, Ronaldo, CRonaldo were all fantastic but this guy is on the top top echelon of football with the likes of Maradona and Pele. Viva South America.