- Feb 8, 2007
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So, Lionel Messi has won his sixth Ballon d’Or.
As we know, the Ballon d’Or has been pretty much a monopoly the last few years and it has me wondering:
Is Lionel Messi really the Greatest of All Time?
Before I’m dragged over the coals, let me say that I don’t deny that he’s a great footballer, or that he Is as good as his many accolades suggest. I’m more interested in knowing why he’s considered so good, what it is that he does that garners him the awards and sobriquet.
Point 1: I understand that he scores a lot of goals. But does he not score them in a league where there are only really two or three strong clubs? And if his goal-scoring prowess is so good, why has he not managed to turn it on for his country? Is the fact that he has only ever played in one league his entire career not something to be considered?
Point 2: Does his playing position elevate or inflate the regard he is held in? This looks more toward the point that the Ballon d’Or seems mostly to go attacking players. Virgil van Dijk coming second this year is seemingly being treated as rather unusual. So, is Messi seen as being so good because hedoes something that is very visible?
Point 3: extending from Point 2, what constitutes ‘good’ or ‘great’? What is it that a footballer is judged on that leads to people concluding that he is one of the GOAT?
So, that’s what’s bouncing round my noggin re Messi.
Would just like to reiterate that I’m not saying he ISN’T one of the GOAT, just would like to know why he is felt to be.
As we know, the Ballon d’Or has been pretty much a monopoly the last few years and it has me wondering:
Is Lionel Messi really the Greatest of All Time?
Before I’m dragged over the coals, let me say that I don’t deny that he’s a great footballer, or that he Is as good as his many accolades suggest. I’m more interested in knowing why he’s considered so good, what it is that he does that garners him the awards and sobriquet.
Point 1: I understand that he scores a lot of goals. But does he not score them in a league where there are only really two or three strong clubs? And if his goal-scoring prowess is so good, why has he not managed to turn it on for his country? Is the fact that he has only ever played in one league his entire career not something to be considered?
Point 2: Does his playing position elevate or inflate the regard he is held in? This looks more toward the point that the Ballon d’Or seems mostly to go attacking players. Virgil van Dijk coming second this year is seemingly being treated as rather unusual. So, is Messi seen as being so good because hedoes something that is very visible?
Point 3: extending from Point 2, what constitutes ‘good’ or ‘great’? What is it that a footballer is judged on that leads to people concluding that he is one of the GOAT?
So, that’s what’s bouncing round my noggin re Messi.
Would just like to reiterate that I’m not saying he ISN’T one of the GOAT, just would like to know why he is felt to be.