The Messi vs Cristiano debate: my own conclusion.

Football is an art wrapped in science. An art because the game itself is purely entertainment. Science comes in because statistics throw light on it. If indeed football is an entertainment then footballers can be called artists. Having said this, Ronaldinho, Jay Jay Okocha and Carlos Valderamma come to mind.

Immediately I saw the above picture on Ronaldinho's Instagram page I took a screenshot. It is not every time you find three of the most gifted artists in one picture. Imagine having Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Michael Angelo in one shot.

These three players lit up the game. I used to wish the ball to their foot because chances are high I will see some bit of magic. They did wonders with the ball. They caressed the round leather to the point of orgasm. They played football smiling. Every shake of the body signified a football move. Remember the game Valderamma played and you didn't scream in wonder? Neither do I.

Jay Jay Okocha. The game he captained Bolton to a 5 - 2 win against Arsenal remains one of the best football matches I have seen. He waltzed through the midfield like a fire dancer. He was too slippery for the Gunners midfield.
Ronaldinho. His step over against England at the 2002 World Cup that saw Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand fall like a pack of cards simultaneously while he whizzed past them smiling remains evergreen.
Carlos Valderramma. El Pibe. His sublime goal against Argentina in Beunos Aires during a 1998 World Cup qualifier is still up there.

These guys made football interesting. People jumped and bellowed with laughter as these guyscajole opponents with their football artistry. They made the game interesting.

You get the drift now? No? I explain.
I don't see Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo as the best footballers to grace the game. No. Their games are too straight forward; run through the pack and score. That is not my idea of football. They are very good footballers in their own right but I don't find them exciting.

Ronaldinho, Okocha and Valderamma played adrenalin pumping football. Exciting. And because people like me see the game as art, I rate those three above any other I saw play. My opinion.

...oh, I almost forgot. Remember Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita nicknamed El Loco (the mad man) for his sweeper-keeper playing style and flair for the dramatic? You may wish to add his name to the list of the greatest (football) artists.

Photo credit: 90's Cartoon and Instagram.
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