All hail Lionel Messi

THE EDITOR, Madam:

What a final…don’t even bother arguing with your partners any more about who’s the greatest.

I genuinely don’t understand; how could anybody doubt ‘Leo’? The football gods couldn’t have written a better script for this extraordinary little man. Somewhere up there in the clouds, Maradona must be rattling the gates of Heaven.

That opening loss against Saudi Arabia was the best thing to ever happen to Argentina; it kept them grounded and released the pressure. Massive credit to Lionel Scolani, Argentina needed two ‘Lionels’ to win. He’s done a tremendous job of rebuilding the team and leading them throughout the tournament. I think the spine of the team, made up of Emi Martinez, Romero, Otamendi, Molina and Tagliafico, was the key to their success.

Football is a running game. Hernandez, and Mac Allister pulling the strings from box to box were equally important. Shout out to Rodrigo De Paul ‘Messi’s bodyguard’, in the middle of the park. He had a phenomenal tournament. Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles. A classic 4-4-2 made them harder to break down, and they showed more bravery on the ball to hurt the opposition teams. Julian Alvarez is a breath of fresh air, that’s the kind of tenacity and work ethic you want from your striker. As a unit, the squad was prepared to lay down their lives for Messi. Mad respect to his teammates, they put in an excellent shift.

Messi looked years younger in this tournament. The ball was glued to his feet, unmatchable strength, nobody could get the ball off him. Superb first touch, impeccable close control, and body feints that even the cameraman can’t keep up. Against Croatia, you could see it on the keeper’s face, Messi put the fear of God Almighty in his eyes. I ponder being an opposition player and having to face the guy, let alone the manager telling you to mark Messi.

I’m so happy for Messi. He’s been through so much in the latter part of his career. I believe those tough times prepared him for this moment. His ability to withstand heat from the media, fans, administrators, and tough tackles from players, and prove them all wrong in the process, is a testament to his success. He could still get another Champions League with PSG, a Ballon d’Or in his back pocket next year, and a few top scorer awards to go with it. Lionel Messi is a cheat code; he is too good at football, it’s not fair to other footballers.

All hail the King! Messi is greatest of all time, stop arguing! Drink it in, Messi, sit on your rightful throne; he is the best footballer to ever grace the game, by far. Congratulations, Lionel Andrés Messi, you are immortal!

KENDELL KARAN

Chaguanas

Trinidad and Tobago