June 24th, 1987 – Rosario in Argentina. A mother delivers a baby boy who goes on to dominate world football’s achingly unforgiving eye. A boy who becomes a man by producing moments of absolute beauty for one of Europe’s (and the world’s) biggest footballing institutions. That boy is Lionel Messi. But has the diminutive Argentine, so loved for his humble attitude and his brilliant skills, become a monster? Has he taken over the reins solo at Camp Nou and usurped the positions of the technical board and the coach himself?
Leo Messi has a god-like following in Spain. Just like his mentor and inspiracion Diego Maradona had (and still does) in all of Argentina. The fact that most Argentines feel Messi is Catalan and not one of their own notwithstanding, Messi is still respected and it is clear that he is the best player currently capable of lasting ninety minutes on the football pitch. But, has he become more than that? Has he taken it upon himself to tell the coach ‘I will play here, or nowhere else’ and then sulk away and be distant when his wish is not granted? Most people who see his interviews and hear his comments will say ‘No! Messi isn’t one who has a massive ego. Look across Spain, specifically to Madrid to find that!’ Most people of course, refer to the brazen attitude and ‘fuck you, I am the best!’ proclamations that typify Cristiano Ronaldo.
But, the reality and the public persona are two entirely different things. Before the ‘Guardiola Era’ at Barcelona, Messi was in trouble. A lifestyle of partying, alcohol consumption and not eating right – led by his team mates (specifically Deco, Ronaldinho and other senior members) didn’t sit well with the Argentine. He was always a small and lanky player with hormone-enhanced height. His performances and fitness were affected ten-fold if there were disturbances in his training or diet schedule. So when Guardiola took over the Camp Nou hotseat, off it was with Ronaldinho, Deco and the others. In came revolution, and Messi stayed – becoming the focal point of a team full of homegrown superstars with some brilliant back-ups brought in from across the planet.
In their first year together, Messi along with his Barca team mates led by Guardiola swept aside all comers. Every. Single. Trophy. Claimed. A mesmeric brand of pass-and-move football with Messi at the front, scoring goals along with Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry for fun. It all looked fruity at the club, till the season reached its end and Guardiola decided to do away with Samuel Eto’o and bring in one Zlatan Ibrahimovic.