The best ever -- Pep Guardiola's estimation of Leo Messi, after that record display of five Messi goals last night in the match between Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen (result 7-1). As Guardiola says, "we just try to make sure he gets the ball. After that our task is done."
You had to see it to believe it, and remain stunned while watching, a paralysis that seemed to affect the Leverkusen defenders more than once -- here a straight run across the goal with a flick of the left foot, there a lob or two over the opposing goalkeeper's head, now a swerve round the goalie's outstretched arm and leg, then, most outrageous of all, having trounced several defenders, Messi sent the ball angled slowly right across the goal mouth to trickle in from the post while players on both sides could only stand and wonder.
It must be said, too, that the first part of Guardiola's comment is just as important, and tells the whole story of Barca's success. Their work as a team is remarkable, their passes rarely fluffed, and most important of all, their skill in controlling a ball once received, is a pleasure to watch. Their 70% possession of the ball is due entirely to teamwork. Messi, with his characteristic modesty, plays that game as well as he plays the superstriker, and with him, as with his fellow players, the ball goes always to the man with the best chance, whoever it may be.
Heartfelt thanks to Barca for bringing skill and elegance back into football, rather than the all too common shirt-grabbing delinquency that defies the rule book and aims to cripple rather than outplay.
CJM
March 2012
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