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The rivalry between boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier was widely regarded as the greatest in combat sport in the last century. But post 2000, the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rivalry in tennis; and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in football have been dominating till date. Football is a team sport unlike boxing and tennis, but Messi and Ronaldo have been constantly pitted against each other by both pundits of the sport and fans around the world because of their immense talent and goal-scoring ability. It’s understandable because they are among the best footballers the world has ever seen and both won five Ballon d’Or titles each until Messi added one more to his treasured collection on Monday, becoming the only player in the world with six golden ball awards. Notwithstanding the comparisons with the best in the history of football and criticisms for failing to win FIFA world cup with his Argentina team, Messi is no doubt one of the greatest footballers the world has ever produced. Comparison with Ronaldo will prove futile as they both are legends in their own way, goal-scoring machines and match winners, though poles apart in terms of playing style.
But having got one more major award in his collection, Messi is the world’s most decorated footballer today. He has come a long way after making his debut for Barcelona in 2003 at the age of 16. He has been consistently performing well all these years and it is an outcome of persistent hard work, undying passion for the sport, perseverance and dedication. Success and fame has not stopped him from practising. It has only made him work harder, which is why he is able to beat the best despite his advancing age. An embodiment of fair play, he has been exhibiting exemplary sportsmanship and conducted himself well both on and off the field, making him a great role model for the young generation. Moreover, his simplicity has set him apart from many great footballers. He may have turned 32, indicating that he has only a few years of football left in him, but he looks as passionate and hungry as he was 15 years ago. There is no sign of slowing down for the legend, as he marked his 700th game for Barcelona last week with a goal, scoring 41 goals in 44 games played so far this year. In fact, experience seems to have made him stronger mentally, which has made him even more lethal for opponents. Like all the legends in sports, mesmerising Messi too will have to hang his boots one day but till that day comes, football lovers should just enjoy watching him perform magic with the ball while it lasts and learn from him. Sportspersons from Nagaland, the home state of Dr. T Ao who led Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics, too should learn from the little genius and be inspired to excel in the sport.