Lionel Messi – The Undisputed Soccer God of the Era

Every era has its’ own soccer gods. This one belongs to Lionel Messi. With 86 goals under his belt he has not left any doubt that he, Lionel Messi is The Soccer God of this era.

The love for soccer had been in his blood. From the age of five Messi started playing soccer. Soon he became the star player of the local team. But, sun does not shine everyday and in Messi’s life the dusk appeared too soon. When he was only eleven year old and was dreaming of becoming the next national soccer hero, he had been diagnosed with hormone growth deficiency. To make the matter worse, his father a worker of steel factory did not have the money to continue treatment for the disease.

However, playing soccer was Messi’s fate and the help came in the form of Carles Rexach, the Director of FC Barcelona. He offered to pay the expenses for the treatment, if Messi agreed to move to Spain. It is said that this contract was written on a paper napkin. Messi started to play for Barcelona’s youth academy. Thus began the legendary career.

Messi spent three years playing for Barcelona Jr. Here, he had played thirty matched and scored thirty seven goals. In 2005, Barcelona updated the terms of Messi’s contract. He became the first team member with a higher pay. In the season of 2005-06, Messi made seventeen league appearances. He scored six goals in these matches. However, the successful season did not continue due to a muscle tear in the right thigh.

Despite the injury, Messi made a comeback and did not disappoint the fans. He not only played regularly, he scored fourteen goals in just twenty six matches. Soon, the overwhelmed fans and supports of the team began to call him The New Maradona. Before, critics could raise their voices and brand this tag as hype, Messi proved that if anyone deserved that tag, it was him. The Spanish media created the title Messidona with awe and respect.

Messi was voted as the best player of the world. Soccer personalities like Francesco Totti called Messi one of the current best among all the soccer players. However, injuries do not leave his soccer talent alone. Once again, he had to stay away from the field due to yet another muscle tear in the left thigh. However, every time injuries put him on the back seat, Messi had made a successful return. This time also, he came back and scored sixteen goals in the season.

It is of little doubt that such a talent will make and break many records. The current ripple in the soccer world is the 86^th goal which Messi scored. This goal breaks the record which Gerd Mueller had held for forty years.

Controversies and challenges soon poured in. Many claimed that the actual record was higher than the current one. Some even presented evidence that there are other soccer players who have scored more than Messi.

Players like Lionel Messi play for the pleasure of playing. What record they hold hardly matter for their fans. Even if he does not break Mueller’s record this year, he will do so in the next year. He is only twenty five and there are many good years are awaiting him. Therefore, let’s not get involved in the controversy, just hope to watch more of Messi The Soccer God of the era. 

Benitez - The Open Letter and More

Being the manager of the Blues is not an easy task. Chelsea FC is among those EPL clubs which evoke both awe and fright. It is of little doubt that the fans of the Blues expect so much from their club.

From the very day of his transfer Rafael Benitez has to go through an enduring time, almost an acid test. Some of Chelsea fans were not happy about this transfer. They made it difficult for the former Liverpool manager to be comfortable in the Blue shirt. However, the Spaniard is a tough man and had been ready for the testing time ahead.

Chelsea FC is attempting to restore the balance after Drogba’s departure. It is a quest of finding new talents along with the hunger for victory. The task presents a huge challenge to the manager. Huge it is, but not impossible.

To reach out to the fans and bear his soul the current Chelsea boss has written an open letter to the fans. His official website has published the letter where the manger has poured out his heart and talked about the hectic schedule. Also, he has promised the fans the same dedication and loyalty he had put for the other clubs. 

The star striker of the Blues Fernando Torres is all praise for the new manager. According to the center forward the game plan and strategy of the team has changed since the arrival of Benitez. He said that the team’s inclination to pass the ball around has reduced drastically and now they prefer playing more attacking shots. Torres admitted that the side is in need of confidence and the strong presence of Benitez will provide the required boosting to the team.

Rafael Benitez has started his career as Real Madrid’s coaching staff at the tender age of 26. He coached the under 19 team. Along with this he worked as the assistance manager of the senior team. However, the recognition came forth when Benitez took charge of Liverpool. Soon, he became famous as an achiever as with hard work and motivation he guided the club to the UEFA Champions League win.

In the six years Benitez has give Liverpool many victories. The club grew and improved under the watchful eyes of the manager. Yet, every journey must come to an end. Benitez resigned from the position of Liverpool manager.

It was 21^st Nov 2012, Benitez took the job of Chelsea manager. Right after the unveiling of his name, the fans showered him with angry retorts at the first match. They refused to accept the former Liverpool manager as the new Blue boss. However, with the 6-1 win against the Danish side.

Prior to accepting the job as Chelsea manager, Benitez got into some nasty verbal confrontation with Mourinho, the former Chelsea boss. He made some controversial comments about the club. These did not go well with Mourinho and the due did not shake hands for a long time.

How Benitez amends the past and wins over the fans’ heart will be an interesting watch. Chelsea FC does not lack talents. The club does not shy away from signing up young players and creating new stars. The fans across the world are waiting in eager intensity to cheer their beloved Blues.