'Messi, the second he steps on a field without that core, is average'
Football is a game of opinions. Some people (incorrectly) consider Cristiano Ronaldo to be the greatest player of all time, while others prefer Lionel Messi. Some people (incorrectly) think VAR is good, while others would rather retain the essence of the game and prioritise the experience of the fans in the stadium. It's all subjective, but sometimes, people will come out with such outlandish statements that they must be held accountable.
On Wednesday night, Candian pundit Sid Seixeiro did exactly that, as he embarked on an utterly bizarre rant against Messi, claiming that he is 'average' without the Spanish core that helped Barcelona conquer Europe under Pep Guardiola.
Speaking on Sportsnet’s Tim and Sid show, Seixeiro said: "Domestically, Messi has won everything there is to win at Barcelona. And he started at Barcelona at what, 13? he's won everything there is to win."
So far so good, but wait for the idiotic turn.
"Here's how you know what Messi's about. When they were winning the best things at Barcelona, it was Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, David Villa. That was a team.
"When they would break from 2008 on and go their separate ways for major tournaments, Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa, and all those Spanish guys from Barça, were winning tournaments. Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012."
Messi, of course, plays for Argentina, a South American country, and therefore did not compete in either European Championship mentioned.
Here's when it gets ridiculous.
"Messi, the second he steps on a field without that core, is average. And you have seen it in Copa Americas, seen it at World Cups. He's now gone 675 straight minutes without scoring a World Cup goal, because Xavi's not there, because Iniesta's not there, because David Villa's not there."
Aside from his weird tendency to overstate the importance of Villa to Messi, as opposed to vice versa, let's just take a minute to digest the fact he's called Messi 'average'. That's the same Messi who has 56 goals and assists combined this season, long after Xavi and Iniesta's peak, and continually scores north of 50 goals per season while playing in a creative role. But anyway.
"The best players I've ever seen in my life can play with anybody.
"Cristiano Ronaldo can play with anybo- Michael Carrick sucks. Darren Fletcher sucks."
Do we have to have the Michael Carrick debate again? He was very good and a key part of Manchester United's midfield for a long time. As was Fletcher. Moving on.
When questioned on why he was suddenly taking aim at the Manchester United midfield duo, Seixeiro said: "I'm making a point. Ronaldo didn't have Xavi. Ronaldo didn't have Iniesta.
"Zinedine Zidane could play with anybody. Fat Ronaldo from Brazil could play with anybody. That's greatness. That's a GOAT. That's a guy you respect."
Really, should we be listening to anyone who disrespects O Fenômeno by calling him 'fat' Ronaldo? No.
Then, pointing to a picture of Messi, he says: "fraud," looking extremely proud of himself.
https://twitter.com/swearimnotpaul/status/1106097535381368832?s=12
"This GOAT discussion dies today," he claims. "Ronaldo is the greatest player I've ever seen in my life."
As is becoming an increasingly regular in the modern world, it is very difficult to parody something already so stupid. He does it himself.
The GOAT debate will go on forever, but if you're going to make a case for Ronaldo, this ain't it chief.
