Messi showed the meaning of GRACE

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.