LIONEL MESSI'S TIME

Lionel Messi does not just stand on the edge of greatness,
he totters on the brink.
Pele's anointment into the annals of legend came as a mere seventeen year old in the 1958 world cup final versus Sweden. An outrageous double flick over two Swedish defenders before catching the ball on the volley to fire past the keeper and score.
For Diego Armando Maradona his golden ticket for the hall of fame came against England twenty eight years later at Mexico 86. In the majestic surroundings of the Azteca stadium, Maradona received possession just inside his own half and accelerated forward into history. Leaving in his breathless wake a host of chasing white shirts resembling milk floats chasing a Ferrari.
Now Lionel Messi must step forward and deliver his own defining audition.
So far at Africa 2010 Messi has delighted but not truly yet ignited. At times unplayable, always irresistible, the little Argentine appears set to explode and there would be no better moment than the upcoming world cup quarter final against Germany in Cape town this Saturday afternoon.
The tournament still awaits a magnificent encounter, one fit to take its rightful place amongst past classics. Argentina v Germany, both sides whose best form of defence is to charge forward promises fireworks. If firing Messi is single-handedly capable of ripping apart the Germans, or indeed any team. No other player at Africa 2010 has been kicked, mauled or scythed down more than he and yet he simply picks himself up and carries on tormenting.
Fours years ago Messi suffered as an unused substitute when all hell let loose in the aftermath of Argentina's defeat on penalties to the Germans at this same stage. Argentine frustration blew a gasket after being eliminated and bitter memories will be stirred when the two teams renew acquaintances. In Buenos Aires they will pray this time around that their 'new' magical little number ten will make the difference. Putting himself and Argentina into football heaven. Step forward Lionel Messi,
its time.

Cfieldsoffire@aol.com