When Messi is at absolute full tilt, which he hasn't been over the last year or so, he is definitely the world's best greatest player, and possibly the best ever. For now he will have to settle for second place though. The Argentine genius has achieved incredible and unrivalled things during his career, and it's frightening to think he's still only 27 years of age. In 439 appearances for Barcelona he has scored an astonishing 365 goals, including two in Champions League finals and more than anyone in El Clasico matches. Even last season, when by his ridiculous standards he was below-par, he scored 41 in 46. The diminutive forward is probably the finest dribbler of all time- Diego Maradona may have something to say about that- and the quality of his passing, finishing and all-round game are simply a joy to watch. He has won six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues, scoring some truly awe-inspiring efforts along the way. Messi will have broken a stupid amount of records by the time he eventually retires, probably not for another seven or eight years, and there is every chance the four-time Ballon d'Or winner will be regarded as the finest player ever to play the game. He remains a magical player.
