And even if he is fading (which I doubt) he'd still score more than the rest of our goal-shy midfield put together.
True. But like the previous poster, I have really lost my taste for the Messi of the last 2 years. Since the Tatoos, blonde hair and beard, something has clicked for him. He now cares about more than just the game. He has become more of the petulant, talkative, and broody sort.
Something innocent and pure got lost about 3 years ago. He is so much more like Ronaldo now But without the looks or physique.
The guy that did nothing but play football died like 3 years ago. And I get it. When you are the best player in the world for 10 years or more, no matter how strong willed you are at being humble and a purist. 10 years of the world genufleeting at your feet and begging for your command, will eventually break you down. And you eventually become what every lucky person becomes, entitled.
So I get it, I'm just saying as an "entitled" fan myself, and quite aware of the inherent hypocrisy of my statement, I wouldn't really want that guy. Especially in light of knowing what that guy once was.
The Lionel Messi of btw 10 and 3 years ago was football personified. He was awkward in, around, or about anythingelse other than football. I miss that guy. I wanted that guy in blue on a cold rainy February night in Stoke. The spectacle of such a scene might have left me comatose for years.
But now? Sure I'll take him coz he unrivalled in talent, and our chances of winning it all will increase exponentially. Going from about 3% now to about 22% by simply adding him.
So yeah I'll be happy, but forgive me if I don't get a hard on.