Lionel Messi had an off year in 2014. He lost in the World Cup Final. He didn’t win the Ballon d’Or. His club, Barcelona, lost out on all three major trophies, including missing out on a chance to win La Liga on the very last match day of the year. By the end of the year it was looking like Barcelona, as great as they would always be, were a long way away from hitting the heights of their glorious past, and that Messi would never be able to regain the form that earned him 4 straight Ballon d’Ors.
How much have things changed.
One year, Luis Suarez, and a treble later, Lionel Messi has made the case for him being the greatest player over all time even stronger. The goals he has scored have been as numerous as they have been mind numbingly good. His leadership has taken Barcelona back to the promise land, and united one of the greatest attacking trios to ever walk this Earth.
In the words of Ray Hudson, “Genius! Genius! Genius!”
Or, more accurately, “GENIUS! GENIUS! GENIUS!”
Lionel Messi was reborn this past year, a phrase that is an exceptionally accurate description of events because he did not reinvent himself, he is not a different player. He has returned to his roots, and it has been an absolute joy to watch.
With the 10th wonder of the world, the internet, now firmly in our control, we can relive the year that returned Messi to who he was meant to be: the greatest of all time. This video, with it’s high quality footage and crisp commentary, is truly a nostalgic experience. Instant nostalgia, really, and it’s time to ride the high one more time.
I don’t know about you guys, but I will never get tired of hearing Ray Hudson.
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