Admittedly, I am ignorant as to the greatness of Messi, as well as most other soccer stars. It's just a sport that's never captured my attention, even when I had a child that excelled at it throughout her grade school years. I held my breath and hoped she didn't get hurt, derailing her upcoming softball season. So, off I go now down a Messi rabbit-hole (heh, heh, heh...) because your writing of his impact on you has now infected me to the point I can't look away. Sports really does 'tie the room' together insofar as humanity is concerned.
I would add though that when I read this sentence - "They exude an infectious sense of boyish delight as they carry out their duties, and in turn, their happiness resonates with us neutrals and fills us with joy as well." - my mind's eye immediately went to one Ronald Acuna Jr.
Great imagery once again, sir. If I miss your next article it's because I'm watching Messi highlights. Don't blame me.
Great writing, Bob. Could no agree more with your point of his humility being part of his infectious nature. It is similar to Dirk and other greats that simply want to perform at their best and show the world what they can do and let it speak all on its own
Thanks for this Bob! I'm a late comer to his genius. That YouTube video you shared just might be the greatest compilation of goals and scoring I've ever seen- in any sport.
The best imo is when we weaves his magic in those tight spaces, turning players inside out and back again.
Well done, Bob. Now, when he does something amazing, more often than not, I get a broad smile with tears and a slow shake of the head. I just love the guy.
I've never seen anyone like him at any level. There's so much joy in his play. This is probably a poor comparison, but Deion is as close as I've seen.
Not saying Prime didn't enjoy playing the game, he definitely was out there having fun. But it was usually at the other guy's expense.
He just seemed to be playing a different game than everyone else.
Admittedly, I am ignorant as to the greatness of Messi, as well as most other soccer stars. It's just a sport that's never captured my attention, even when I had a child that excelled at it throughout her grade school years. I held my breath and hoped she didn't get hurt, derailing her upcoming softball season. So, off I go now down a Messi rabbit-hole (heh, heh, heh...) because your writing of his impact on you has now infected me to the point I can't look away. Sports really does 'tie the room' together insofar as humanity is concerned.
I would add though that when I read this sentence - "They exude an infectious sense of boyish delight as they carry out their duties, and in turn, their happiness resonates with us neutrals and fills us with joy as well." - my mind's eye immediately went to one Ronald Acuna Jr.
Great imagery once again, sir. If I miss your next article it's because I'm watching Messi highlights. Don't blame me.
Great writing, Bob. Could no agree more with your point of his humility being part of his infectious nature. It is similar to Dirk and other greats that simply want to perform at their best and show the world what they can do and let it speak all on its own
Thanks for this Bob! I'm a late comer to his genius. That YouTube video you shared just might be the greatest compilation of goals and scoring I've ever seen- in any sport.
The best imo is when we weaves his magic in those tight spaces, turning players inside out and back again.
Such joy!!
Well done, Bob. Now, when he does something amazing, more often than not, I get a broad smile with tears and a slow shake of the head. I just love the guy.