Messi's Man-cave

[Roberto Lequeux]

Messi, the best player of the biggest sport in the world, keeps the greatest collection of major personal trophies and replicas of silverware from the biggest club and country competitions (over 100 awards..!) in a private movie theatre. Not in his living room. Not by the door; where I'd bet Ronaldo keeps his to remind everyone of his awesomeness (he is a truly awesome player). Humble little Messi likes to keep his inhuman collection in a room where the chairs are fixed, and face the screen.

Some might also wonder why he has such a small theatre, thinking it looks quaint considering that he is the highest paid footballer in the world. But if you know soccer you know Messi does everything in humble fashion --including winning best player in the world three years in a row, at 24 years of age. He recently became the youngest player to win 3 Ballon D'Ors in a row, only the second to ever do so, and only the fourth to ever win three --and with 6 to 10 good years still left in his futbol career...

Yet he keeps the focus of his man-cave on entertainment. Someone sell him a 4k projector already!

 

[Mark Toia]

nice

We all need a man cave... (some times two)

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

I know some Real Madrid fans might take this thread the wrong way days before an other clasico, so allow me to mention that I watch every RM game I can. Not just to enjoy DiMaria's magic, or Higuain's goals but also to enjoy the other greats such as Ronaldo, Ozil, Benzema, Casillas, etc, etc... These are amazing times to be a true soccer fan.

(some times two)

He he he... Here is to you enjoying one in the other, in 4k :beer:

 

[Marcos Montenegro]

Roberto:

Messi is great in Barcelona, but something happens when he wears that #10 national team jersey...he chokes; ghost of Maradona me thinks

 

[Sergio Perez]

Messi is great, but he wouldn't be so great if it wasn't for an incredible team of players that grew up playing the same style and tactic of football. Barcelona is a soccer "school". That's why they are practically unbeatable , and why Messi plays poorly in Argentina National Team, just like Ronaldo in The Portuguese national team. That's why Football is such a beautiful game: its a team sport and you can only shine as long as you have a solid team that knows how to play together. The Spain Mational team is basically Barcelona + 2 or 3 pplayers-that's why they are such a strong national team-they have been playing the same form of football together since they were kids!

 

[Emanuel A.]

Messi is great, but he wouldn't be so great if it wasn't for an incredible team of players that grew up playing the same style and tactic of football. Barcelona is a soccer "school". That's why they are practically unbeatable , and why Messi plays poorly in Argentina National Team, just like Ronaldo in The Portuguese national team. That's why Football is such a beautiful game: its a team sport and you can only shine as long as you have a solid team that knows how to play together. The Spain Mational team is basically Barcelona + 2 or 3 pplayers-that's why they are such a strong national team-they have been playing the same form of football together since they were kids!

Sérgio, you are right in everything you say. But you know there's also maybe other reasons why. I always remember when Ronaldo went to Greece for Olympics. He already was a star in Manchester. He was not feeling stimulated enough to play there in the same way. With Manchester complaining against the portuguese call for Cristiano Ronaldo. And everything in the same year that Portugal had been European Vice-Champion, Euro2004 in Portugal, etc. Argentina won the Olympics, that year, BTW.

We are both (the three ;-) portuguese nationals living outside. We know very well what it does mean. Unfortunately for both sides. I think we also have some fault to not fight for what we can do inside. But that's the way that it is. Our own country is too big and rather small most part of the time.

E

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

Nothing like a good soccer rant pre-Saturday night Hehehe...

Roberto:

Messi is great in Barcelona, but something happens when he wears that #10 national team jersey...he chokes; ghost of Maradona me thinks

I bet that factors when Messi feels the full weight of the Albiceleste #10. But it isn't the real issue, not if he can put it out of his mind and I think he can. The fact is that you simply can't compare the current Argentine national team to Barcelona... I wish!

If Messi loses the ball trying to catch half the opposing team off guard, you know Barcelona will have the ball back in possession within 10 seconds. You know that ball will be fed to his feet in stellar fashion time and time again... Xavi, Iniesta, Fabergas, Alves... And with a safety net like Puyol, Busquetes, Pique, Mascherano... And the way everyone plays with each other, even off the bench... Two words: La Masia. And with more than half the starters for Spain's WC winning national team... :jealous: Furthermore, Argentina's national team has 90% of the players having to travel half way around the world to practice together.

Messi is a truly genius player, arguably the best of all time. Even if he isn't, the fact that you can say that is enough in of its own. Yet it is still hard to think anyone will ever measure up to Maradona... Pele should be kept on his pedestal, he was great, but I think the real star was the entire Brazilian team, Pele included, but the real star was and continues to be the Brasileirao. Cruyff is one of the fathers of the new sport in my book; he changed the game. Yet no matter how many times people talk about them, Maradona trully was the most skilled player ever to walk on the field. Most agree. Yes, I am a bias, but that is the consensus if there is one at all. And for Messi, that is as you point out a massive mountain to be forced to climb.

Many say Messi already surpassed Diego, but everyone will also agree that he needs to win a WC to really measure up beyond any doubt... 1986 can't be ignored. However, personally, I think Messi is a trillion times better than el Diego... Yes, I said it... I take more than soccer skill into account to measure the man.

Even if Maradona edges out Messi as the most skilled and determined player of all time, even if he beats him out-right beyond any doubt in your mind... Off the field, Messi commands respect. Not exactly Maradona's strong suit... You know what I mean... Maradona was as great as he is not.

Bottom line, I am over the moon to see someone humble like Messi working his way up to the all time greats. Respectful, collected, polite... thanks to Messi the Albiceleste #10 means three times as much as it did before him. 0.02

 

[Sergio Perez]

Sérgio, you are right in everything you say. But you know there's also maybe other reasons why. I always remember when Ronaldo went to Greece for Olympics. He already was a star in Manchester. He was not feeling stimulated enough to play there in the same way. We are both (the three ;-) portuguese nationals living outside. We know very well what it does mean. Unfortunately for both sides. I think we also have some fault to not fight for what we can do inside. But that's the way that it is. Our own country is too big and rather small most part of the time.

E

Agreed with the Portuguese abroad vs the ones inside part however, I think that's too harsh on Ronaldo. He was not the one quitting on the team during training like a certain defender, or like a former right wing player that literally punched the National coach Unfortunatelly I think the current Portuguese national team has many sub par players: the goalkeeper- from the team I support!- is a "frangueiro"- it has no quality players on the defensive right wing, and those that are good also don't give a d@mn about the team (Bosingwa, Miguel for example) in the midfield there lacks players with the talent of Paulo Sousa, Deco and Rui Costa from former years- Moutinho, Veloso and Meireles are nowhere near that leve. The only good part Portugal has is on the wings, with Quaresma, Nani and Ronaldo, but Quaresma and Nani are imature, show off players. Ronaldo often has to take on the whole opposi g team and carry the carriage on his own. You can only go so far like this... Forwards I don't even want to mention, with that terrible Almeida the old man Nuno Gomes (which should be playing) and the highly inconsistent Postiga... It's actually better to put Ronaldo playing there than to put any one I these three up front!

I like the coach, tough. Not sure about his hairstyle

My Half Portuguese bone gets really upset when thinking about this!

EDIT- Messi better than Maradonna?? Sacrilege!!

 

[Sergio Perez]

About Argentina and Messi vs Maradona... You just can't compare the 2. Messi was "Built" by Barcelona since he was a kid. Maradona was the typical underdog story, with no "school" but the one he crafted for himself. He appeared in a time where Argentina was not a "top dog" in World Football, and practically created the Argentina soccer player quality boom. It was after Maradona that Argentinian players started to have recognition and to be hired around Europe. Curiosly Maradona didn't fit well in Barcelona- this normally happens to these sort of "geniuses"- they are natural leaders, they carry a team and the team ends up having to play "for them". Players like Stoichkov from Bulgary or even The swede Stricker Ibrahimovic are other examples of this. They need to be in teams that support him and play for him. That's why Maradona made Napoli from a second tier team to a championship winning team, as well as the Argentinian national team. Messi is not a natural leader, is a fantastic player but he cannot "carry the team". Since this is not what Barcelona is all about, he excels there- just like Ronaldo did in Manchester United, where he could grow as a player. In Real Madrid, its a constellation of Stars, and they need to create a "school" just like Barcelona does. I think they did very well to hire Mourinho, but they need to keep him for at least 3 more years to create a structure and end this "Prima Dona" state of Players ruling the club, and not the club being above them. This happens in Manchester with Fergusson and in Barcelona with Guardiola (and in Portugal with FC Porto- this one is for Emanuel )

Love the sport, am a Coach/player for a local 3rd division team. I think it shows

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

Maradona is still the best to date --the most skilled player ever. I agree on that. Messi hasn't changed my mind, though he is closest... So I think we need to keep an open mind and let him show us what else he will pull out of his hat. Time will tell, and he has quite a bit of time left...

However, I can't help but consider that Messi obliterates Maradona on an image level; as an example to little kids and adults alike. That matters to me, a great deal, so I guess I am also bias in that respect.

 

[Sergio Perez]

Maradona is still the best to date --the most skilled player. I agree on that. Messi hasn't changed my mind completely, though he is closest... So I think we need to keep an open mind and let him show us what else he will pull out of his hat. Time will tell, and he has quite a bit of time left...

However, I already can't help but consider that Messi obliterates Maradona on an image level; as an example to little kids and adults alike. That matters to me, a great deal, so I guess I am also bias in that respect.

Well, in a politically correct way I have to agree with you. As a cynical adult, however, I much like Maradona's renegade attitude: true, the drugs part is absolutely condemnable, but he truly feels to me like a "genuine" person- he has a Che Guevara tattoo in his arm, has expressed political views (agreeing or not agreeing is one thing, but I respect someone with opinion and not afraid to speak his mind). He pissed off many Englishmen- not because of a certain World Cup goal (well, that too but because Argentina and England have some long colonial quarrels- Maradona gave "power" to Argentina in a time where they needed. Maradona has obviously many weaknesses as a man, but he, at least to my perception, was and is a very important figure to what Argentina is today. A "Guerrilla man" never happy with the status quo and the establishment- that's why he ends up being a very controversial character. Messi is a smart, quiet man, well integrated in our times. Ronaldo is probably closer in attitude to Maradona (lights year from him, though, which is both good and bad) as Messi is closer to Pélé. This is my humble opinion, of course!

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

All I am saying is that Messi is a far better ambassador, and beyond that I'll politely stick to commenting on their football. My political views have nothing to do with my opinions on the game.

Messi was perfected by La Masia, learned to play the Barcelona style there; but he was Messi long before he moved to Spain. Look at him as a little 10 year old kid playing for Newells Old Boys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNGKkRmWQxI

 

[Sergio Perez]

All I am saying is that Messi is a far better ambassador, and beyond that I'll politely stick to commenting on their football. My political views have no thing to do with my thoughts on their sport.

Messi was perfected by La Masia, learned to play the Barcelona style there; but he was Messi long before he moved to Spain. Look at him as a little 10 year old kid playing for Newells Old Boys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNGKkRmWQxI

Very impressive! I think he played better at 10 then me now at 32! Truly gifted, no doubt. But at that level i believe they all were outstanding as kids (the world's best, I mean). And this is obviously post Maradona era. These kids had much better training conditions than Maradona did, because the Argentinian player was already highly regarded abroad and everyone was trying to manufacture "the next Maradona".

Messi is the closest yet as a "next Maradona", in pure football talent way, no doubt. I'm curious, however, to see what that Brasilian kid from Santos- Neymar- will do in the near future. If he's not so stubborn and moves to Europe, (hope its the Spanish league and NOT Barcelona) we are in for a treat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Va6TZhmDQ

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

Very impressive! I think he played better at 10 then me now at 32! Truly gifted, no doubt. But at that level i believe they all were outstanding as kids (the world's best, I mean). And this is obviously post Maradona era. These kids had much better training conditions than Maradona did, because the Argentinian player was already highly regarded abroad and everyone was trying to manufacture "the next Maradona".

Messi is the closest yet as a "next Maradona", in pure football talent way, no doubt. I'm curious, however, to see what that Brasilian kid from Santos- Neymar- will do in the near future. If he's not so stubborn and moves to Europe, (hope its the Spanish league and NOT Barcelona) we are in for a treat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Va6TZhmDQ

I completely agree. Well, I am greedy and hope Neymar comes to Barca... Actually, all three Puskas this year where sick, just sick... Rooney's chilena was flawless, probably best chilena ever and I favor the Citizens in the EPL... Messi's goal was insane, didn't think it would be bested, though Rooney's had a real chance to take it... But then comes in Neymar's best goal so far, probably his best ever... What a gem... This is a great time to be a real soccer fan.

 

[Sergio Perez]

I completely agree. Well, I am greedy and hope Neymar comes to Barca... Actually, all three Puskas this year where sick, just sick... Rooney's chilena was flawless, probably best chilena ever and I favor the Citizens in the EPL... Messi's goal was insane, really didn't think it would be bested, though Rooney's could take it... But then comes in Neymar's best goal so far, probably his best ever... What a gem... This is a great time to be a real soccer fan.

No doubt! The only problem I have with this is that every prime time European match means live broadcast at 3-4 am over here- a nightmare for a soccer fan!

Roberto, ready for the Classico? As a soccer fan (someone that likes to see good, team football) I like the Barça style of football. But I'm a massive Mourinho fan and Ronaldo fan. Both for distinct reasons: Mourinho because I like the way he motivates and coaches a team- don't like some of his media talk, though and sometimes comes out as a bad loser- His Inter Milan European final game was out of this world well played, like an incredible game of chess. Ronaldo I like because of a big BIAS from my side he comes from the club I support since I was a little kid, Sporting Lisbon. I support him like I supported Figo (for me the best portuguese player ever). I also like one thing about Ronaldo. He's a really hard working man- first one to arrive at trainings and last one to leave. He has skills, no doubt, but what you see in that guy, his incredible speed and strength comes from hard work, not pure talent. That demands respect in my view. His attitude also brings the worse out of his opponents- everyone wants to bring down the cocky Ronaldo, but he always faces the opposition heads on. Its very, very entertaining.

Here are 2 youtube videos that display them at their best. However do yourselves a favor and TURN OFF the sound! Absolutely TERRIBLE music in those. But nice highlights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3bnBHPCDc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bccT9TehrQ

Can't wait! 3 "classicos" this year if we don't even count with a possible champions league face off!

 

[Cüneyt Kaya]

football talk. love it.

messi is strong, really strong, he has a fine technique and most important he can score at the important games. this is something ronaldo doesnt do as often as i wish. last year after barcelona did beat the shit out of real and the season in both competitions was lost (la liga and champions league) Ronaldo scored 11 goals in 3 games. but, thats a big but, i am sure ronaldo would score more goals at barcelona than messi. why? he is physically stronger, can also do headers etc. but in 3-4 years when ronaldo will lose his speed, he will lose a lot of this superstar skills.
messi is not so dependant on speed. thats good for a long career on a high level.
would like to see both play together.

messis problem in the argentinian team is someone missing in the centerfield making the game. there is a too big gap between the midfield and the attack. you have the defensive players cambiasso, macherano and the real good wingers, but no world class playmaker....barcelone has two with xavi and iniesta.

lets dont forget maradona did win the cup aged 27, so plenty of time for messi left.
ronaldo scores also in the national team, so thats a plus for him. but he suffers from a missing world class goalkeeper and a he also suffers from a missing playmaker.

at the end, i have the opinion the next world cup will go to germany
why?
Brasil has no world class players anymore.
Messi will suffer again form his teamplayers weaknesses, same goes for Ronaldo.
The spanish backbone players will be way over 30 at the next Cup ( Puyol will be 34, Xavi 33 and Iniesta 33)
England and Netherlands will never win something again,
italy is declining, france is no team anymore.
so only Germany is left with a young, powerful team. all the defensive players will be around 26-28 at the world cup. schweinsteiger will be at his best age, same goes for Gomez and Müller.
And we have the second best goal keeper with Neuer.
maybe i am biased

last note:
Maradona was, is and will be the best player in the world for another century. And i think the reason is that he was such a scandal player. he had edges. he said no to the Fifa award for best player of the century, when he did realised he should share it with Pele.
he said something like, Pele doesnt count, he never played in europe, and thats the place where you have to prove yourself
this attitude makes him special to me.

 

[Sergio Perez]

football talk. love it.

messi is strong, really strong, he has a fine technique and most important he can score at the important games. this is something ronaldo doesnt do as often as i wish. last year after barcelona did beat the shit out of real and the season in both competitions was lost (la liga and champions league) Ronaldo scored 11 goals in 3 games. but, thats a big but, i am sure ronaldo would score more goals at barcelona than messi. why? he is physically stronger, can also do headers etc. but in 3-4 years when ronaldo will lose his speed, he will lose a lot of this superstar skills.
messi is not so dependant on speed. thats good for a long career on a high level.
would like to see both play together.

messis problem in the argentinian team is someone missing in the centerfield making the game. there is a too big gap between the midfield and the attack. you have the defensive players cambiasso, macherano and the real good wingers, but no world class playmaker....barcelone has two with xavi and iniesta.

lets dont forget maradona did win the cup aged 27, so plenty of time for messi left.
ronaldo scores also in the national team, so thats a plus for him. but he suffers from a missing world class goalkeeper and a he also suffers from a missing playmaker.

at the end, i have the opinion the next world cup will go to germany
why?
Brasil has no world class players anymore.
Messi will suffer again form his teamplayers weaknesses, same goes for Ronaldo.
The spanish backbone players will be way over 30 at the next Cup ( Puyol will be 34, Xavi 33 and Iniesta 33)
England and Netherlands will never win something again,
italy is declining, france is no team anymore.
so only Germany is left with a young, powerful team. all the defensive players will be around 26-28 at the world cup. schweinsteiger will be at his best age, same goes for Gomez and Müller.
And we have the second best goal keeper with Neuer.
maybe i am biased

last note:
Maradona was, is and will be the best player in the world for another century. And i think the reason is that he was such a scandal player. he had edges. he said no to the Fifa award for best player of the century, when he did realised he should share it with Pele.
he said something like, Pele doesnt count, he never played in europe, and thats the place where you have to prove yourself
this attitude makes him special to me.

I can see your Bias But I have to agree. Germany has an excellent coach, a fantastic team- the closest to Spain in terms of team play- and will probably mature until the next world cup. The big question mark is the coach. If they underperform at this year's Euro, by football tradition he will have to find a job somewhere else, which means another team building, and more time to mature the team... I don't know, its really hard to predict these things. I don't think Portugal will go very far, even though the new Under 21 generation was 2nd at the Sub 20 World Cup Last year. It all depends if Mourinho will be coaching Portugal by then or not. A good coach is absolutely essential for winning- Remember Greece at Euro 2004? I do, very well...

Exciting times, though! I was afraid with the end of Figo and Zidane generation we would be living a drought of good football, but I was glad to be proven wrong. The Real Madrid VS Barcelona matches are just as trilling as they ever were, if not more!

 

[L. Langer]

I went to the MLS Cup once. Just saying. :coolgleamA:

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

No matter what team you favor you'll enjoy (at least part of) this spot... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okyYLMs1XME&feature=youtu.be

 

[Sergio Perez]

Great commercial, great idea. The creative director must be a real fan! Its a shame most tv commercials get lost in the middle of bland, corporate messages. great storytelling here. However, it will limit the product's appeal to Real Madrid fans...

While I support Mourinho and Ronaldo, I like Barça. Really enjoyed the Barça of the Bobby Robson era, with Ronaldo (Brazilian one), Figo, Guardiola and the others... It was a team with a somehow weak defense- Baia was terrible- but it was very, very entertaining. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC57WLJYmUE that man was out of this world back then!