For a very long time now, the G.O.A.T debate between cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi seems like a turf war that isn't ending soon. These two talented stars have shared football highest level consistently for years also having 11 balondors between them.
Meanwhile, there's a popular speculation among a handful of premier League fans and Ronaldo fans that Messi won't perform well in the epl due to its physicality.
You laughed, didn't you?I just did aswell.
To start with, we have players who share similar physical characteristics and style of play as Messi who have or have been bossing the epl week in week out. Few examples are Salah,David Silva,aguero, Bernardo Silva, just to name a few.
Salah since joining Liverpool has scored over 100 goals in just 150 appearances with quite a large number of assists as well. Anyone who watches Salah play knows that Salah plays exactly like Messi. His solo goal against Manchester city on Sunday is a strong proof. Not to mention aguero who refers to Messi as his idol and is mancity's highest goalscorer ever.Now, if salah and aguero can do it in the epl, why won't Messi do the same?
Secondly, Taking into account Messi's records against epl teams in European competitions,these speculations should have ended long time ago.
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Messi has 27 goals in 35 matches against epl top six teams; 9 goals Vs arsenal, 7 goals Vs city,4 goals Vs man United,3 goals Vs Chelsea,2 goals Vs Liverpool and 2 goals Vs Tottenham. He's also the 4th player with most goals against top 6 teams In the epl. Note: He has not played in the epl.
This stats prove that the premier League will become his playground.
Thirdly, taking into account his Copa America heroics. Many people believe the Copa America is a more physical competition than than the epl and other leagues. Messi has the record for most goals in Copa America history also surpassing Pele as the south American player with the most international goals with Neymar trailing behind Pele.
He's been fouled,kicked, injured and bled countless number of times and still racks goals even at that.
Messi has played in the biggest stages: four champions League finals,the world cup final, 4 Copa America finals and performed beautifully well.
I'm not saying Messi will score 30 to 40 goals in the EPL right now putting his age into consideration, but he will perform exceptionally well as he always does.
In conclusion, we will never see a player like Messi again.