You may remember a post I did on Lionel Messi’s habit of emulating goals from the footballing greats.
Last season the lank-haired Barcelona forward added his own versions of Maradona’s World Cup double against England in 1986 and Zidane’s Champions League winning volley to his collection.
Well, he’s done it again according to Spanish sports daily Marca. His decisive strike in his side’s 3-2 win over Celtic on Wednesday was, they say, a copy of one of Ferenc Pukas’s classic efforts in Hungary’s legendary 6-3 demolition of Wembley in 1953.
I’ve looked at both and there is little doubt that Puskas’s the better goal. The build-up is fantastic - even if the players look as though they are moving in slow motion - and anyone who can produce that sort of close control with a ball that had all the characteristics of a sack of potatoes deserves huge credit.
It’s true the Messi drag-back that beats Celtic defender Lee Naylor is reminiscent of the Hungarian’s footwork when he floors Billy Wright. But instead of wallowing in nostalgia I’m just going to sit back and look forward to Messi’s next goal. Maybe he’ll start taking requests.
PHOTO: Messi celebrates his second goal at Celtic Park, February 20, 2008. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
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4 comments so far
Messi adds another classic to the collection - Reuters Soccer Blog
Messi scores another classic
- Posted by footballfilter.commessi makes me speechless! what a livin legend ! still 20 year old wooow!
- Posted by sherifAnd how old is he again??
- Posted by Five TimesStep aside Christiano Ronaldo and Kaka, because Messi is undoubtedly the best player in the world today.
The lad is pure class, I darent even begin to consider what his valuation must be but I just hope he continues this great form throughout his career.
- Posted by Betting Blue BoyBeing a Chelsea supporter what surprises me is that I don’t particularly want to see him at the club or for that matter in England at all.
It may sound strange but I don’t believe that him signing for the Blues would do anything for his career, in fact the style of football we play would just hinder his progression to what will surely be one of the greatest players ever to grace a pitch and the English game would have similar effects on his development.
All the best to the kid, I just hope we don’t have to take to the field against him any time soon!