Soccer's GOAT
A Reason To Smile
We’re not sure how many of you have been swept up in the soccer (fútbol, to the rest of the planet) World Cup fever. The young United States team had a good run but bowed out in the round of 16. After this weekend, only four teams will remain.
It is important to acknowledge that there has been a significant amount of scandal surrounding this tournament, centering on the corruption of FIFA, the game’s governing body, and the shady methods by which the host country, Qatar, secured the Cup. Then there is the matter of how many workers, brought in from impoverished countries, died building the stadiums. And yesterday, tragedy also struck with the sudden death of the highly respected American journalist Grant Wahl, who was covering the Cup.
The ugliness surrounding the Cup stands in stark contrast to the beauty of what is taking place on the field. Even those uninitiated in the sport are finding reasons to watch, and stay watching. The ebb and flow of the action, the feats of balance, strength, and stamina, are a sight to behold. There are many legendary players donning their nation’s jerseys this year, and many of those are nearing the end of their careers.
Among them, one is considered the best of the best: Argentina’s Lionel Messi. He is called the GOAT, “the Greatest Of All Time.” Despite standing at only five feet, seven inches, he towers above his more physically imposing peers. The grace with which he glides across the field mesmerizes even his competitors. It is a mixture of passion and precision. He runs with the ball dancing on his foot — a fluid blend of strength and skill.
Yesterday, Messi led his team to the semifinals. Will he carry them to the championship in what — at 35 years old — might be his last international tournament?
Witnessing genius in action, no matter the stage, is a sight to behold and a reason to smile. So today, in honor of Messi, we share a video of tributes and highlights of his greatness. Even if you don’t understand the game, you can’t help but applaud the artistry.
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It is good to see all the comments here, and I recognize that any discussion about who is the GOAT at anything is inherently fraught and up for debate. Who is better? Babe Ruth or Willie Mays? Wilt Chamberlain or Michael Jordan? Vincent van Gogh or Leonardo da Vinci? To all those here celebrating the genius of Pelé, I hear you. I also recognize that over the years, as in other sports and other walks of life, many have been denied opportunity to show their skills due to their race, gender, and other forms of discrimination. I am new to soccer, and our hope here was to celebrate the beauty of the game through one man's uncanny ability and artistry.
Wow! I have not been following the World Cup matches (just heard about the scandals and tragedies), but boy, am I grateful to Dan for sharing the 10-minute clip of Messi's action on the field. I kept shaking my head and saying, "That's impossible!" and "Oh, my!" with every move he made, every goal he scored.