We often judge a player by goals, assists and keeping clean sheets, but his cold demeanor on the pitch is an underrated quality.
In big games, some players can let frustration overwhelm them. On the other hand, a select few can keep a cool head in the hottest environment. Take Lionel Messi as an example.
The Argentinian is known for channeling his anger at world performances, especially during his time at Barcelona. In fact, former Barca team-mate Thierry Henry once told a wonderful story about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, when he got angry during a training session under Pep Guardiola.
In a fascinating quote from Rio Ferdinand's autobiography, Henry recalls when his teammate was fouled in practice and was not given a free kick by the coach.
"So when the ball got to his keeper, he (Messi) ran back and demanded the ball," the former Arsenal striker said. "The goalkeeper rolls the ball towards him, and Messi then crosses the team and scores furiously."
Ferdinand then went into more detail in his conversation with Henry, referring to the moment he learned that 'Messi is like no other we've ever seen'.
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"Thierry said that's what he does on the playground at school," added Ferdinand. "I've done the same things with little kids. But he (Messi) has done it with some of the best players in the world:
Yaya Toure, Puyol, Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets.
"And it wasn't just once. He did it many times."
Listen. Henry describes Lionel Messi in training session. It is a response to adversity, an attitude of not accepting defeat or defeat, that competitive advantage that comes from loving the game! This is the basis of greatness! Wishing to be the best!
Ferdinand added
Thierry says:
"Can Ronaldo do this?" I said, 'Well, I've never seen him do that.' Thierry has played with Zidane and Ronaldinho but they have never done anything like this. I said:
"That's when I knew Messi was different from anyone we've ever seen."
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In April, Henry urged Messi to join Barcelona "for the love of football" after being booed by Paris Saint-Germain fans ahead of a Ligue 1 match against Lyon.
As the rumors surrounding his future continued to swirl, some fans inside the Parc des Princes decided to poke fun at Messi when the stadium announcer read his name before the match started.
Henry reacted to these scenes while on professional duty for Amazon Prime Video.
"You can't whistle one of the best players on the team, who has 13 goals and 13 assists this season," he said. "Personally I'd like to see him finish his career at Barcelona, ??in Europe. Then I don't know what he'll do. Because of the way he left Barcelona after everything he's done. do... I don't know." t really like it.
"For the love of football, he should return to Barcelona."
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