Pele leaves behind a legacy

Pele was one the greatest. He pushed football to new heights. But now we have a void which can never be filled. The place which he had in the football world and among his fans, will become sacred.

Days after Argentina lifted the World Cup and the football world was basking in the success of the glorious tournament, Pele left us with just his memories. 

Pele always wanted to be the best in the world. The most beautiful game on the planet gave him the respect that he deserved. He was always eager to put his family name on the top, especially his father’s. his father was also a player and loved the sport a lot. But he didn’t get the popularity or the recognition that he wanted. So, Pele fulfilled his wish and became the best football player in the world. Pele, started his career at the age of just 17 at the World Cup, in the year 1958.

 He was one of a kind, whose most of his career was during the radio era. After the arrival of television, he played for some time and gave a glimpse of his greatness to the world. The moves and the technique he had, were one of a kind. He was the one, who despite being a legend, treated everyone around him with respect.

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He even showed the world that anyone can connect with the entire world at one point without taking into consideration, caste, religion or skin colour. The mere mention of his name made sure that everyone was glued to the presence he had on the field. His style of play was magical. He was one of a kind, who can never be replicated. His entire charisma was the benchmark for future generations.

The people of his generation made sure that no one ever forgets the player, who gave the world one big reason to love the game of football. The sheer magnitude with which people loved him and his style, was proof that his name will remain in the history books forever.

He also made sure that even after he retired from the sport, he was still in touch with the game. The love he had for the game never fainted and always praised any perfect moment in any match. The sheer pleasure he experienced in watching the magical game, brought him closer to the hearts of his fans. 

He was the one who loved every instance and even the changes to the game. The implementation of technology is also good for the game, as even he realized the importance and the positive effects on the game. But the various advancements were never able to explain or overshadow the pure brilliance with which he played the game. All the other greats of his time were in agreement that he was the one who made sure that others who didn’t love the game, also kept an eye on the most popular sport. So, he was, is and will remain the best in the world.

‘Happy Birthday, Football Magician’: Lionel Messi is Thirty Three Today

We all know this person so very well. Today’s ‘birthday man’ is one of the greatest celebrities in the football world. We commonly know him as GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)! Yes, you must have guessed it right! Feliz Cumpleaños (Happy Birthday) to our one of the most favourite football players— Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini!!

Lionel Messi made his debut in FC Barcelona first team in 2004-2005 La Liga at just seventeen. He was the youngest player to represent FCB ever. Since then he is breaking goal records and raising the bar for the future players. He plays as a forward and is currently the captain of both FC Barcelona and Argentina National Team.

Messi was born on 24 June, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. Having received his first ball when he was four he started playing with his elder brothers. However, just as obvious as his outstanding ability it became more apparent that he was smaller than his friends. The doctors discovered that he had a restrictive growth hormone deficiency. The expensive injections made his family left with huge costs to pay for his continued treatment. In 2000 when he was thirteen Barcelona came to his rescue and changed his life forever. Messi was invited to Spain for a fifteen-day trial. The club agreed to sign him and pay for his medical bills in a contract that was written out on a paper napkin.

Messi always has number 10 on his jerseys in both teams. He is often seen with a smile on his face and humble about his record-breaking achievements. He has enviable commitment to the game. He is the perfect example of how smaller players can use their size to their advantage. He keeps inspiring many football players around the world. His left foot is a deadly weapon when it comes to shooting goals. His razor-sharp brain with a combination of natural talent and instinct make him the attacking machine. Messi is also deceptively quick. He accelerates from the moment he picks up the ball and speeds past defenders before they are even ready to tackle him.

Messi is married to his childhood sweetheart, Antonela Rocuzzo since 2017. They have a family of three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. His favourite dog, Senor Hulk, is one of the largest French Mastiff breeds, Dogue de Bordeaux.

He has record in winning awards almost each year:

•  La Liga titles- 10

•  Ballon d’Or awards- 6

•  Best FIFA Men’s Player- 6

•  Best UEFA Player in Europe- 2

•  Golden Boot awards- 5

•  Champions League Winner- 4

•  Player of the Year- 10

•  Spanish Champion- 10

•  Spanish Cup Winner- 6

•  Spanish Super Cup Winner- 8

•  FIFA Club World Cup Winner- 3

•  Under- 20 World Cup Champion- 1

•  UEFA Super Cup Winner- 3

•  Copa America Runner Up- 3

•  Player of the Tournament- 2

•  Silver Boot- 1

•  Top Scorer- 19

•  Guinness World Records Title for the most official goals in 2012

And the list goes on and on. Thus, these all made him a legend in football.

Although Leo holds the all-time scoring records both in La Liga and Champions League he still has plenty of play left for the rest of his career. How many more goals can he score? How many more records will he make? We have to wait patiently for that. Players have some best days as they have some worst. One of the worst days in his life was not to win the FIFA World Cup in 2014. His face had shown how much disappointed he was about being the runner-up. He faced severe criticisms that the dedication he shows for his club is not found for his national team. We, his loyal supporters who watched him grow, would not disown him on that ground. It is quite possible that he tries really hard to win every game for his country but his luck does not favour him at times.

Even if Messi does not break any more record or fail to score spectacular goals every time he has already done enough for the millions of football fans.  The day will come when he will announce his retirement from football. We need not be upset. We can wish him by saying— Thanks, Leo, for all the memories!

Messi’s story proves that size does not matter. Nor can poverty come in the way of talent. Anything is possible if one is good enough to work hard with talent. Success, they say, comes out of one percent inspiration and ninety nine per cent perspiration.