Who is the greatest footballer of all time? This is easily one of the most debated topics globally. Over four billion people watch football yearly, which accounts for over half of the world’s population, truly mind-blowing if you think about it.
The game has seen greats like the Brazilian demigod, Pele, and the Argentine wizard, Maradona, but over the last few years, football has produced some of history’s most adored athletes, and one of those gems is the legend himself, Lionel Andrés Messi. Born on the 24th of June 1987, Messi was raised in Rosario, Santa Fe, and moved to Spain when he was 13 to join Spanish giants Barcelona. He made his debut on the 16th of October 2004, and the rest, as they say, is history.
This article will look at why Messi might be the most complete footballer the game has ever seen. But before then, do you know that you can make money betting on stars best new bookmakers like Messi? You can bet on individual players and football teams, and to get it right, especially as a beginner, you’ll need guidance and tips. This is where a website like mightytips comes in handy. On the site, you will find tips, predictions, and detailed picks that will aid you in becoming a success at sports betting.
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Why Messi is the Complete Footballer
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why Lionel Messi is considered the complete footballer.
His Goals and Assists
Few footballers in the world have scored more goals than Messi. In fact, there are only two players proven to have scored more goals than him in history – Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele. An area where he stands above everyone else in history is the number of assists. Literally, no footballer in history has raked in the number of assists the Argentine has.
He is also the first and only footballer to have won the prestigious Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman, which hardly recognizes football stars. Since the 2007/2008 season, he has appeared in the FIFPRO World 11 – a testament to his staying power.
Personal Achievements
For a player to be regarded as a complete footballer, he must have achieved everything possible in the span of his career. These achievements should not just be those that come from being part of a winning team, but personal accolades from years of dedication, talent, and hard work.
Over the years, Lionel Messi has broken dozens of personal football records, proving himself as the true greatest. In 2021, he won his 7th Ballon D’or, creating a new record for the player with the most Ballon D’or awards, breaking the record barely a year after he sets it. If you are looking for a football star that embodies the game, it is Messi.
He is currently the only player in the world to have won the European golden shoe with a record of 100 points and is the first player to win the award five times. He won his 6th in the 2018/2019 season, setting another record.
His influence on the pitch cannot be denied, and his ability to carry his team is one of his most loved traits. No other player in the sport’s history has won more man-of-the-match awards than the Argentine, and he is widely considered one of the greatest players to grace the UEFA Champions League.
A Star, On and Off the Pitch
In recent times, we have seen players make the news for crimes committed or terrible decision-making off the field of play. Some of these have led to the untimely end of promising careers. The Mason Greenwood saga is a recent case with the young Englishman losing his place in the team and endorsement deals. He is also in line for a court hearing.
Lionel Messi, who is the highest paid footballer globally, is a scandal-less footballer, with the Barcelona star credited for being a real gentleman outside the pitch. In addition to his ability to stay away from trouble, he is also a very cheerful giver. He is the founder of the Leo Messi Foundation, an organization that provides quality health care, food, and shelter for struggling kids across the globe.
Also, in 2020, during the peak of the coronavirus, he made several hefty donations to different health centers in Argentina and South America.
He is a Joy to Watch
Some players are only loved for their goalscoring abilities, while some are applauded for their skills on the pitch. Messi is one of the few players who is loved for having a goalscoring prowess and exceptional technical skills, as seen in his highly efficient dribbling and passing skills.
The Argentine once dribbled his way from the center of the pitch to score one of the most insane goals in football history. Watching Messi play is pure joy, and that’s why he is one of the highest-paid footballers. Watching his highlights is like watching tutorials on how to be a footballer.
A Team Player
Football is a game of eleven players, and no matter how gifted you are in your position, you’ll need the help of the other eleven teammates to be successful. This is no problem for the Paris Saint-Germain forward as he has been hailed by his teammates – old and new, for his ability always to help out a teammate if need be. This is why he has the most assists in the history of football.
Country and Club Success
Players like Robert Lewandoski and Zlatan Ibrahimović have found success in club football but failed to replicate it when they wear their national team’s badge. Messi is not like that. After his Copa America win in 2021, the Argentine has done it all. He has won the UCL, La Liga, and it’s no surprise that he is on the verge of winning the French Ligue 1.
Adaptation
Adaptation is the reason humans are the best species. It is one life skill that is important in many aspects, and football is no different. While players sign a contract that spans years and make them untouchable, the same can’t be said for coaches. An underperforming coach can be sacked at any time in the season.
Most players tend to fall off during a change in managerial reigns and fail to adapt to the new coach’s tactics. This is not the case with Messi. He has played under so many coaches and has performed exceptionally well under every one of them. He has adapted to all his coaches and their style of play, a rare feat.
Bottom Line
Who is the greatest player of all time? Messi is in the conversation. Who is the highest paid footballer in the world? Messi’s name is there. There is no doubt that the Barcelona legend will forever be remembered in years to come. You will agree that he is a complete footballer unless you don’t understand the sport or have sworn a life and death oath to stan Messi’s career rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
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