Who is the World's Best? Candidate 7

Lionel Messi: As far as talent goes, the 5'7'' Messi can be blamed for hogging it all. At just 21 years old, Messi has shown no signs of slowing down, despite being on the world stage for three solid years at Barcelona. After an injury-filled season, Messi showed his dominance with strong performances in La Liga and CL when he was cleared to play. Another individual milestone this superstar received was the MVP award of the Olympics in Beijing this summer. His lightning pace, unbelievable ball control, sublime quickness, and superior intelligence have transformed this youngster into one of the best footballers in the world, with most labeling him as the "Next Maradona". As a winger, when he combines with players like Iniesta and Xavi at Barcelona or Riquelme with Argentina, Messi is unstoppable no matter where he is on the pitch. As a playmaker, a new role in which Messi has adopted in the Olympics and in recent Barcelona games, he clearly shows he is capable of playing any offensive position on the field (Barcelona vs. Shaktar); thus, making him more vital to any team he plays on. Messi is known to produce moments of brilliance in either one-yard of space or 10; with his feinting and quickness, it makes no difference.

Lionel Messi's performances have football fanatics reminiscing Maradona's magical moments in the 80's/early 90's. Lately, however, even Maradona, himself, has criticized Messi, and these criticisms, along with the Barcelona faithful's disappointment in some of his play (vs. Sporting Lisbon), have taken their toll on Messi's play. Often called individualistic and a poor finisher, Messi's confidence has seemed to have taken a blow with some "below-par performances" and lack of energy in some games, though glimpses of his genius are still spotted. Once Messi learns he can trust his teammates a little more, he will be the best player in recent times. Undoubtedly, Argentina's lack of competition (either Copa America, World Cup, or Intercontinental Cup) will hurt Messi's chances of winning the Players of the Year award.

The Catalonian Roller Coaster

As an avid fan of FC Barcelona I am constantly riding an emotional roller coaster. The last decade for the club have been filled with highs and lows that could probably see me end up with a heart problem when I am in my 60s. But right now I have absolutely no idea what to think. Yes, I am happy that my club is on a long winning streak after a very disastrous start to the season (at least by the standards expected) and I was filled with joy as I watched highlights of the 6-1 thrashing that was handed out to fellow title contenders Atletico Madrid (if only it had been those smug b*stards from the blanco side of that city then I could die in peace).

But I am still not sold on Pep. I was a big fan of Rijkaard. Here was a man who had single handedly saved the team from almost relegation in the 03-04 season to 2nd place in the table. Here was a man who brought in players such as the one and only Samuel Eto'o, Deco, Rafa Marquez, etc. Here was a man who invested in the up and comers from La Masia and unleashed talents such as Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Bojan on the footballing world. Here was a man who led us to the most successful two year period in the recent memory of the club (back to back Liga titles and a Champions League trophy). But here was also a man who had lost control of his crop of players, letting them run wild and leading to the last two disastrous seasons.

I respect Mr. Guardiola. As a former midfielder he is one of the players I payed most attention to in my younger days. He was simple and effective. And while I do like the fact that he does not seem to be stuck on a one track tactical ride like Rijkaard was, he does not exude the same confidence that old Frank did. Going into games with Frank at the head there was an expectation to win, even after the disappointments over the past two seasons. Now though, a feeling of fear creeps into me as I await watching Barcelona games. I have no idea what squad will be selected, whether I will be blessed with another opportunity to watch Leo the Lion, Sammy Eto'o, Titi, Xavi or Iniesta play. I am not a fan of the rotation policy because it doesnt provide for any consistency in play. Rafa Benitez tried this with his Liverpool team a few years back and it did not yield very good results- at least in League terms (I think they won the UCL). But the most important trophy to win is La Liga. It is the one fans care about the most- and it is the fans who watch games.

But at the same time, the rotation policy keeps players fresh and allows all the different diamonds that are available to sparkle equally throughout the year. Toure, Keita, Busquets (although I am still not sold on him, even after watching him live in Giants stadium), Xavi and Iniesta rotate through the midfield and it is a spectacle to watch them all play. Up front, the policy may hopefully alleviate the injury problems that have plagued Eto'o and Messi over the past two years (coincidentally no titles were won in those years) so there may be some good to come out of it. The only thing left to do is strap myself in and let the roller coaster roll. Hopefully when its all done I haven't screamed too much or thrown up after I got off.

Le Ballon d'Or

Ah, the Golden Ball. Awarded by French (obviously) magazine France Football, le prix convoité is the honor given to Europe's best player. From the inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews to last year's winner Kaká, the winner's list is a who's who of footballing history. Now, as we approach the selection of the winner for 2008, the race has narrowed to two young players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel "Leo" Messi.

Leo the Lion and C Ron have both had sublime seasons; Messi scored 16 goals and dished out 13 assists in 40 games before being sidelined with a torn thigh muscle in the Champions League. Ronaldo scored a whopping 42 goals in 49 games and led Manchester United to EPL and Champions League glory. So who wins?

In my opinion, as much as I dislike his off-the-field antics, sulky mannerisms and frequent diving, Cristiano Ronaldo's accomplishments last season cannot go without reward. He carried Manchester United last season despite frequently "disappearing" in big games due to overly rough treatment and being marked by multiple players through many matches. Although Diego Maradona's heir apparent, Leo Messi showed many moments of sublime skill, 42 goals in all competitions is a number I find difficult to see past, as hard as I try. Ronaldo for the Golden Ball.