Lionel Messi, yet again, did all his talking on the pitch

The best football player in the history of the game. ‘What could go wrong’, one could ask. It is a dream of millions, however, one that only a very few can even compete for. That would be the dream life, wouldn’t it seem. It seems difficult to fathom a black mark on that valley of roses.

Yet, we see Lionel Messi. The man who has defied logic and records for years. A player who has redefined the game and defined an era. A player who is widely regarded the best there has ever been. Yet, the Argentine so often finds himself at the wrong end of controversy. It is the silent ones indeed that are often picked on, and his life reiterates the truth.

Imagine waking up a fine morning to see one of the largest media networks of the country publicly print your financial contract on their front page. A deal meant to hold its sanctity between the three involved parties, now lies at the home of every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

Lionel Messi has always been prey to the shameful board of Barcelona. Be it the BarçaGate scandal or the long-drawn transfer saga in the summer. The club captain has been let down on so many occasions by the side he calls home. Every loss of the team is pushed on the Argentine, every ridiculous transfer blamed back on him. It surely cannot be easy.

To rub in more salt, the last 48 hours have shown the epitome of disgrace. Leaks from within the club have dripped out the captain’s contract details in an attempt to push the blame of the economic crisis on Leo. If Messi is agitated and furious at the club at this point, there can really be no blame on him. The fans, and his teammates surely are, though. Barcelona does not deserve the greatest player in a world if they do not know how to respect their legends.

After the tumultuous 24 hours, all eyes were always going to be on the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. With the Catalans playing Atheltic Bilbao at home the same night, journalists and fans sat eagerly awaiting a response from Leo.

A post-match interview where he could share his views was highly anticipated. After all, it was the biggest news going around the globe. And Messi, he was at the centre of the attention.

Yet, no drama followed. Messi walked out of the tunnel leading his men like any other day. His face still showed the same fire, the same passion as it always poises. Everything seemed so natural, one needed to recheck the papers to ensure they read the right news.

As Mateu Lahoz blew the whistle, the Camp Nou continued to be lit by its prodigal son. The first half saw Lionel Messi at his finest. Every move of the Argentine on the holy turf of the Camp Nou lit up the ground. He spun his magic and worked his way through the Bilbao defence with ease.

As the clock approached the 20′ mark, the world once again witnessed the infamous sight again. The Captain set down the ball just outside the 18-yard box. The Atmosphere at that moment is always the same. And then it happened once again. A five-man wall with one under it, a goalkeeper and a man at the far post were all reduced to mere spectators. The gracious swing of the Argentine’s foot saw the ball rattle the back of the net once again. It was unstoppable.

Even 24 hours after such a historical leak, and Leo has not taken to social media. Not a single public statement nor a written one. When given a choice, Messi always makes his point known on the field. And that is truly the greatest way a player can convey his point to the masses. It is a mark of greatness. One the everyone hopes to do, but only a handful can.

Half a billion euros is a lot of money. However, Messi is worth every single pound. The market is inflated, and one cannot blame the Argentine for accepting what was negotiated. If there is anyone in the world of football that deserves that kind of money, it is only the greatest player to have played the game. Moreover, the Argentine single-handedly brings in more revenue to the club than Barcelona spend on him.

'You want Messi's numbers? Here you have them: 650 goals, 260 assists, 755 games.'

— @DiarioOle pic.twitter.com/Sp7oGLljat

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 1, 2021

It is high time Barcelona learn to respect their legends and treat them with respect. No player is bigger than the club, but the club cannot play with the lives of any player. And for Lionel Messi, his performances speak for themselves. He is the reason the side is competitive, and the reason they still fight for all trophies. But as has always been, his work ethic must be admired.

Who needs written press releases and interviews to define their worth? Well, surely not Lionel Messi