"Messi is the best player of all time. Why? Because he can play anywhere and he'd be the best in the world. If he plays as a No.9, No.8 or No.6, he’s the best No.9, No.8 or No.6 in the world. That's why he has the freedom to play where he wants. It wouldn't be very intelligent on my part to not take advantage of a player who is capable of judging the perfect pass from 40 yards."
These were the words Luis Enrique used to sum up the umpteenth exhibition of Lionel Messi on Tuesday, a player who has got better and better over the years. He began his career as a devilish right winger, then became the best player in the world and now, after confirming his status as the best of all time, he's at a level where his excellence can be adapted to any position on the pitch.
What he did against Celtic was nothing new, far from it. Messi has developed from a forward into the player who always provides the solution when the team is stalling. Pep Guardiola, in 2009, was the first person to take him off the wing. Since then, the Argentine has developed from a false nine into a player who controls games. This trend has increased in recent years to the point that it's now common to see him in a midfield position when the opposition are making things difficult for Barça.
CREATOR
After breaking all the records which where there to be broken in terms of goal scoring -- with the exception of the top scorer in Champions League history, which is currently Cristiano Ronaldo's -- Messi has grown as a team-mate. It's been a while since his individual numbers were a priority. He's now the best creator in the world, too. Finding space, killer passes in the box, diagonals from 40 yards... it doesn't matter how, the glove fits.
CREATOR
After breaking all the records which where there to be broken in terms of goal scoring -- with the exception of the top scorer in Champions League history, which is currently Cristiano Ronaldo's -- Messi has grown as a team-mate. It's been a while since his individual numbers were a priority. He's now the best creator in the world, too. Finding space, killer passes in the box, diagonals from 40 yards... it doesn't matter how, the glove fits.
The best example of Messi's preference for the team to function before he shines is the fact he has started handing over many penalties and free-kicks to Neymar and Luis Suarez. Without going much further, the Brazilian scored a free-kick against Celtic. Years ago, Messi would have taken that without debate.
THE FUTURE
As the years pass, it's inevitable that Messi will lose that spark which makes it so easy for him to beat rivals in the final third. When this occurs, the Rosario-born player will, surely, become the best midfielder in the world. He will lose some pace, but not the magic. And Barça will need it. In a certain way, in fact, his constant assists for Neymar and Suarez are the beginning of an era where Messi is more concerned about making plays than finishing them.
As the years pass, it's inevitable that Messi will lose that spark which makes it so easy for him to beat rivals in the final third. When this occurs, the Rosario-born player will, surely, become the best midfielder in the world. He will lose some pace, but not the magic. And Barça will need it. In a certain way, in fact, his constant assists for Neymar and Suarez are the beginning of an era where Messi is more concerned about making plays than finishing them.
When Messi organises, the team flows. And if this occurs, opportunties arrive naturally. Just like his hat-tricks.
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