Just as people were beginning to wonder if the phenomenon was fatigued, he scores four goals in one game; one of them a textbook chip. Lionel Messi in a Barcelona shirt never fails to react to the slightest criticism. Those who attempt to cast even the slightest doubt on his breathtaking skill risk the possibility of choking on their own words.
In truth all has not been well with the little magician in the last few weeks. He has cut at times a disconsolate and unhappy figure. His teams poor form in the league may have been a factor but he may also have been suffering from a hangover courtesy of his third consecutive Ballon D`or. But in the last week he has looked like his normal self and banished fears his mini slump could be the onset of something more serious.
He ripped apart Valencia today after Barcelona found themselves a goal behind. His first three goals may have benefited from defensive errors but he was in no mood to let the opportunities slip in stark contrast to his teammates who squandered a plethora of chances. His fourth goal was his signature strike. A fine ball from Busquets allowed to him race clear and he played around with the keeper before impudently scooping the ball home. Throughout the match he caused palpitations every time he stepped on the accelerator. He has looked half a step slower in the last month but tonight the electric change of speed was back in all its devastating glory.
The greater the player the more people have to exaggerate even the most minor fault in an attempt to strip away the cloak of perfection. Messi has slowly destroyed the supposed faults in his exemplary record. They said he could not score against English teams, nor teams managed by Mourinho. He has set the record straight on that count with some flourish.
No player in history has ever been immune from criticism, but those who expect Messi to burnout at his age should think again. He may have played the most minutes out of any player in Europe but football is a drug that he cannot kick. Pep Guardiola was irritated when Sky Sports quizzed him on the possibility of resting Messi. In truth Messi has fallen out with Guardiola on those rare occasions he has been handed a rest, to do so more often would risk the possibility of unduly upsetting the worlds finest player.
Some have claimed Messi is guilty of selfishness when he demands to play every minute without considering the benefits of resting his body and preventing injury. Yet this is a small price to pay for enjoying the services of La Pulga.
Messi is a more complicated and demanding character than his humble and softly spoken demeanor suggests. Make no mistake this is a man who knows his value and who feels like he is capable of anything when he steps onto the green grass. His exuberance is mixed in with a strong dose of arrogance. Every game is a chance to cement his reputation his status as the finest talent since Maradona, any suggestion he is anything but number one is privately treated with contempt.
Rio Ferdinand suggested he could win player of the year six years on the bounce, that is unlikely as the award is dictated by the trophies a player wins and even this great Barcelona are unlikely to devour silverware for three more years. However award or not, Mario Balotelli was right when he intimated everyone else can forget about being the Worlds best player if the little maestro maintains his standards. The last week has proved his desire to entertain and wow us remains as insatiable as ever.
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