LIONEL MESSI “only has one skill”, according to Brazil legend Pele, with fellow Argentine Diego Maradona “much better” than the Barcelona talisman.
Having starred for the La Liga heavyweights for well over a decade now, a mercurial talent of the modern era is considered to have established a standing as an all-time great.
There are many who consider Messi to be the finest player to have ever played the game, with a five-time Ballon d’Or winner boasting countless records and a stunning strike rate.
Pele, though, has suggested that the 31-year-old is one-dimensional and too reliant on his left foot to be compared to other iconic figures at the top of the world game.
A man who netted over 1,000 goals in his career and won the World Cup on three occasions told Folha de Sao Paulo: “How can you make a comparison between a guy who heads the ball well, shoots with the left, shoots with the right and another who only shoots with one leg, only has one skill and doesn’t head the ball well?
“How can you compare? To compare with Pele, it has to be someone who shoots well with the left, shoots well with the right, and scores headers.”
While placing himself above Messi in the all-time pecking order, Pele has also suggested that a number of other players sit above the Blaugrana star. Fellow Argentine Maradona is considered to be one of the best ever, while iconic figures from Germany and the Netherlands are also held in the highest regard.
Pele added: “As far as I’m concerned, Maradona was one of the best players ever. If you ask me, ‘Was he better than Messi?’ — yes, he was. Much better. [Franz] Beckenbauer, [Johan] Cruyff were also excellent players.”
Pele may not be Messi’s biggest fan, but there is no questioning his achievements since bursting onto the scene at Barca. A remarkable tally of 567 club goals have been recorded in 653 appearances, with another 65 netted in 128 outings for his country.
Messi has also won five Golden Balls, nine La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and three Club World Cups. International honours have proved elusive, though, having suffered final heartache at the World Cup and Copa America.
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“A covered stand, with a capacity of 500 spectators, will overlook the first pitch.”
All well and good, but when are they going to actually build a proper stadium of their own instead of continuing to use the GAA’s national stadium for half their games?
Croke Park has become Dublin GAA’s back garden, which is not what it is supposed to be, nor was it ever intended to be.
@Oisín McGovern: You do know it is the Leinster council who decides what matches are played in Croke Park and the ones away.
@Oisín McGovern: At least you realise and articulate correctly that CROKER , is the NATIONAL stadium , of the GAA , and not Dublins home venue, as some would have us believe
UpTheDubs
Great news for Dublin GAA. Only wish Cork GAA would do likewise
Great news as long as they are paying for it themselves .
@Karl Phillips: who else is going to pay for it?
Fingal County Boards future centre of excellence
On the border of Meath as well