La Vida de La Pulga

Since Maradona ascended the heights of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico to lift the holy grail of football trophies, the World Cup, the search had begun for the next “Great One”. Given the ability of Argentina (like Brazil) to produce talent after talent, it is pehaps unsurprising that we’ve had a string of youngsters called the Next Maradona for years. Some, like Pablo Aimar, have shown glimpses of talent approaching that of the original Pibe d’Oro but by and large, the realization of us seeing a new talent capable of making us gasp in awe has just not happened. Until now at least…..

You’ve probably heard the hyperbole following the goal he scored in the Copa del Rey against Getafe but is Lionel Messi truly the new herald for a second golden age for Argentina? I have to say that after having seen the boy play on numerous occasions, I have to concur that this lad has all the right tools to be crowned the new king. Nevermind the fancy footwork of a certain portuguese lad named after a former US president (you know who I’m talking about), Messi plays like he has the football glued to his boots, runs like the wind, has the vision of his equally talented team mate, Ronaldinho, and perhaps most importantly, the humility and lack of propensity for self-destructive behavior found in Maradona. No, he isn’t 6-feet tall with a matching physique to hold players off, but he doesn’t need it. Look at all the great players in history–Pele, Maradona, Stoichkov, Baggio….and the list goes on. These are players who have a footballing brain and the fleetness of thought to be one step ahead of their competitors. He’s not ready to be added to this illustrious list but barring any major injuries, I can think of no other “sure thing” in football these days aside from the imminent success of the boy who would become king.

Mark my words……Argentina, world champions 2010 with Messi at the helm.

Now, I submit to you the evidence, you be the judge. Credit the producer as shown in the video.

La Pulga.