Yesterday, 12
March 2013, I realised the meaning of the word “Grace” by watching Lionel Messi
against Italian giants AC Milan. Both goals he made in the first half had all
the explanations of the word grace. Doing the most difficult things with
elegance and without showing any effort –is the meaning somebody explained some
time back. The task was too high for Barcelona when they trail for 20 against
the Italians who are known for their defence oriented game plans.
I have to
wait until mid-night to watch the UEFA Champions League matches and still it
was worthy to see the until first half ends. Before the match started, the
boring analysis part by three “experts” puzzled me thinking whether I should
wait or not. According to the experts, it was a mountain task for Barcelona to
climb and AC Milan is traditionally, financially and talent wise equally or
more superior than Barcelona.
But,
Barcelona had Lionel Messi, the difference between Barca and any other football
team. He controlled the game from the middle along with Xavi and Iniesta and
even extended his support to their weak link –the defence line up. Within five
minutes, after several round of one touch passes, Xavi found Messi near to the
penalty box of the opposition surrounded by Milan players. Messi collected the
pass with an exploding move through three defenders and found the net through a
fantastic shot which kept Milan goalkeeper on cold feet.
Second one
was little bit late but had the same elegance of the earlier goal. This time, the
provider was Iniesta and Messi collected the pass and threaded a low shot
between the legs of Philippe Mexes without showing any kind of effort. Both
goals were not fluke and Barcelona has a problem in keeping the ball position
and not finishing until getting their ‘right’ pass and without Messi, it is
difficult for them to cope up with. He had talent, speed, capacity to keep the
ball from any number of players and do the final thing in the simplest way –which
is the most difficult thing for any other player.
By half-time,
I could read the result and knew that I have office next day. Morning news told
me the complete story.
