While many dared to query whether or not Lionel Messi would have been capable of carry out on the peak of his powers within the Premier League, the legendary Argentine continued to show these doubters mistaken in the one means he is aware of how – by dominating England’s greatest sides.
Whether or not it was Manchester United at Wembley within the 2009 Champions League remaining or, extra just lately, towards Liverpool within the first-leg of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final tie – which they ultimately misplaced in historic style – Messi has confirmed time and time once more {that a} chilly, wet night time in Stoke can be no downside for a person of his skills.
Lionel Messi vs England’s high six (through Transfermarkt) | Video games | Targets | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
Manchester Metropolis | 8 | 7 | 3 |
Arsenal | 6 | 9 | 2 |
Manchester United | 6 | 4 | 0 |
Liverpool | 4 | 2 | 0 |
Chelsea | 10 | 3 | 3 |
Tottenham Hotspur | 2 | 2 | 0 |
In 36 video games towards England’s high six, Messi has scored 27 targets and created one other eight. If there have been any remaining doubts that he would have dominated the Premier League at a stage arguably by no means seen earlier than, then these numbers ought to deliver these to an finish as soon as and for all.
Like most round European soccer, a few of the Premier League’s greatest have usually been in awe of Messi. Jamie Carragher, amongst these operating out of superlatives for the magical playmaker, stated: “There have been so many gamers we’ve thought that about prior to now, however to go on and do what he’s finished, it’s loopy.
“For me, he’s the most effective participant we’ve ever seen play soccer. And you’ll’t predict that of any 19, 20-year-old if you’re taking a look at the place they’re going to go.”
While he has usually terrorised English opposition, there was events when Messi has been shocked by Premier League gamers taking their revenge, and he admitted that one participant left Barcelona fearful.
Messi: Lampard was among the finest gamers on the planet
Provided that his document towards Chelsea out of all the Premier League’s high six is the worst, Messi’s reward for a Stamford Bridge hero ought to come as no shock. He took the time to single out Frank Lampard forward of Barcelona’s Champions League tie towards the Blues in 2009, admitting that he admires the midfield nice and that he was a “massive risk”.
“We all know they’ve an ideal squad that comprises a few of the greatest gamers in Europe, however I significantly admire Frank Lampard.
“To have a midfield participant who constantly scores so many targets on the high stage is a uncommon factor. It’s one thing we have to look out for within the two matches. For certain, Frank is an enormous risk.”
The tie itself lived as much as the billing, nevertheless it was one other midfield legend who stole the headlines as Andres Iniesta netted a last-gasp winner for Barcelona to take his aspect into the Champions League remaining.
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Messi’s reward nonetheless rings true, nonetheless. On the peak of his powers, Lampard was one of the crucial harmful midfielders round and Messi had each proper to be afraid of the risk that he usually supplied. All in all, Lampard scored 211 targets in 648 video games for Chelsea.
