If he was Spanish he'd be seen as the best ever i think. It's that must do it in a WC myth. WC was the biggest stage way back when but it could be argues CL is more important and better quality now

If he died tomorrow I would still say he was the greatest footballer in history. I don't like people taking the John O shea look at me iv won lots of trophies approach. Messi is the most talented player that has ever lived and I'm not sure anyone could boast 3 CL trophies by 23. Not that trophies matter. And 3 WPOTYs by 24. Would Giggs be looked at as a better player than Messi if Messi died tomorrow? No. Got to have some common sense.

The CL is rubbish nowadays

But then again the last few world cups have been dreadful!!

I wouldn't be too upset if we missed out on Routledge to be honest, upfronts where we mainly need to strengthen!

Barry you speak with such intelligence and authority. A hidden talent I see why do you give everyone else the impression that you're well...not..yeah?

Barry.

Pele scored a hat trick in the semis and went on to win the world cup at 17. At 21 he did it again

3 CL's by 24

Or 2 world cups by 21?

Indeed it does rtm, indeed it does.

Moving on...

It is a tough one indeed, as i said i don't like to look at things as who wins what trophies. It is very simplistic. The expectations on Messi and Ronaldo nowadays are ridiculous. Was Zidane expected to score a goal a game? Or Ronaldinho? It's crazy. CL as well as league remember.

Sorry was showering. Moving on indeed.

Zidane was never an out and out goal scorer though, so the expectation to score every game was never there. He always had the pressure of performing though, everytime he stepped on the pitch all eyes were on him regardless of the opposition! Like Messi now, he was always singled out and given special treatment by the opponent, and still managed to shine! And that's in the CL, the league and the international stage!

Ronaldinho also had similar pressures, but as you can tell in the end he couldn't handle it. Hence his fall out of the limelight

Sorry you say moving on and I carry on!!!!

It feels strange having a debate during no reply time.... It's like the olden days

I just think the reason for Messi not being the best ever is based on nostalgia
*******

Barry do yourself a favour.

Ronaldinho between 04 and 06 was magical!

Taken from the Loserpool board...
------
Results against the top five next season

Man U (H) 2-0 win
Man U (A) 2-2 draw

Chelsea (H) 2-1 win
Chelsea (A) 1-0 lose

Man C (H) 3-1 win
Man C (A) 2-1 lose

Arsenal (H) 3-0 win
Arsenal (A) 1-1 draw

Spurs (H) 2-1 win
Spurs (A) 2-2 draw

i think thats about right with the additions we've made to our squad.
Thoughts?
----------------

Ronaldinho is what is good about football though. Loved every minute of watching him at Barca. Do find it quite hilarious that people try and find tiny faults with Messi like he hasn't scored in England/against Inter etc. Quite petty things to bring up, then he proves them wrong. If you were yo scrutinize Pele, Zidane, Ronaldo, Maradona etc on a single game to game basis it would be a whole lot different. Nothing makes sense. I hate football.

CSTP.... That goal against you guys....

Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!

Liverpool are funny

Ronaldinho is god. Lolerpool are funny. Dundee are excellent!

is dundee as bad as frankie boyle says?

Andy, the last few times I have been to Glasgow, my car has been keyed, My brother has been beaten up and I saw someone get stabbed. I have never had any trouble in Dundee and I am very trouble worthy.

Alvin

If I'm honest, I was only 8 and don't remember watching it too well. I spend a good couple years wondering why it was considered so good before I understood

It's a shame about Ronaldinho. From a Barca perspective, you could look at it two ways:
1) Ronaldinho - best in the world. The time he lost it was when Messi began to set the world alight. They don't go through a patch without a special trickster to carry them forward (apart from 06/07), the takeover year. Hence, they've enjoyed success for a long time.

2) if only Ronaldinho hadn't faded at a young age. Imagine him and Messi both at the top of their game along with Etoo or whoever in a front 3! That would have been breathtaking

I'm not from glasgow so i've no idea what it's like for a night out. Newcastle night life is great - you should go some time

What we have in Dundee is hundreds of thousands of pregnant babies. Then they are born and their pregnancies get pregnant straight away, and the cycle goes on.

So instead of going round beating people up you just have babies