Arsenal FC boss Arsene Wenger has praised Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, claiming the diminutive forward is ‘from another planet’. The form of Messi has again reignited the best player in the world debate, which regularly features Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, but Wenger suggests the 22-year-old is currently peerless.
Although not undermining the claims of either Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney or Real Madrid’s Ronaldo, Messi, the current World and European player of the year, has netted a staggering 32 goals this season to add to the 38 he scored last season, and Arsenal FC boss Arsene Wenger is well aware of the enormous task his side face.
Arsenal FC welcome Barcelona to the Emirates tomorrow night in the Champions League quarter final first leg, where they will have to nullify Messi’s obvious threat. The Argentina international will be the main focus of Josep Guardiola’s attack and he will be hoping Messi can end the debate over the claims of Manchester United’s Rooney or Real Madrid’s Ronaldo in the world’s best argument, with another eye-catching display. Wenger believes Messi is doing things never seen before by a player his age.
The Arsenal FC boss is quoted by the Sun saying: “He is on another planet."
“You go to football to watch players like Messi. What he does is so beautiful it becomes art.”
"What he does at his age, has never been seen before.”
"To take the ball in the middle of the pitch and go score goals like he was in the school playground, it is just incredible.”
"I was thinking a couple of years ago he couldn't go any higher but I am conscious that today, he's on another planet."
Wenger added: "He knows how to open up all the defences in the world.”
"There's always apprehension when you play a player like that.”