Messi or Maradona? Pointless debate.

With three electric performances and eight goals against Valencia, Stuttgart and Real Zaragoza, debate is rife in Spain about whether Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer ever? He's certainly the best I've ever witnessed, but Diego Maradona, Pele and Johann Cruyff were before my time. I've seen videos of Maradona, and THAT goal against England in Mexico '86. And there's that brilliant photo of 'El Pelusa' on the ball, with six defenders around him, all looking suitably petrified. But I believe to judge the greatness of a footballer like Maradona or Pele, you have to have been a fan during his time. Pedro has come out saying Messi is far better than Maradona was, but Pedro was only born the year after Maradona lifted the World Cup. What's certain is that they both represent all that is beautiful about football; past and present. Technique, touch, vision, audacity and an ability to create something out of absolutely nothing. Besides, they played in different eras, under different conditions and against different teams. Instead of worrying if Messi is better or worse than Maradona, I'm going to savour everything this little genius has to offer.

Messi to cultivate Maradona perm?

Argentina have bagged the World Cup before it's even started. Why? Because Lionel Messi will cultivate a Maradona perm which will turn him into a devine, unstoppable force that will propel the 'Albiceleste' to the top of world football....just as Diego 'La Pelusa' (which translates as cheeky rascal or ball of fluff, you choose) Maradona did in Mexico 1986. Or at least thats what a group of Argentinians believe, who have created a website to persuade Messi to don the famous barnet in South Africa.

The reason? Aerodynamics of course. They believe that the airflow around those famous curly locks transformed Maradona into a 'cosmic force', aiding his infamous leap towards Peter Shilton and the following wonder goal that ended Englands dream in 1986. Here are their scientifically proven arguments:

Wierd Science: Have no doubts about what made Maradona untouchable in 1986; it was his perm. The curls made the air flow 'stick' around the whole circumference of his head, creating an aerodynamic downforce much like that created by the wings on a Formula 1 car. This aerodynamic force allowed the player to maintain perfect equilibrium and achieve a glue-like adherence to the grass. This explains the jaw-dropping skills which Diego thrilled us with in '86. And what else can explain Columbia's footballing success in the 90's: the scorpion kick by Columbian keeper Higuita and Valderamma's heavenly ability in midfield. (No mention of Keegan?!)

Mythology: Many Argentines have tried to create analogies between that success in '86 and now. The Maradona-Bilardo partnership, the fact that Adidas manufactured both shirts. But the Maradona perm holds even greater weight. If we want to recreate that glorious success of our last World Cup win, we have to go down to the finest details: Messi MUST grow that perm. Can you imagine.....the shirt, the number 10, and those curls reeking havoc in South Africa.....we can.

There is even a testimonial from Maradona's hairdresser, who cut his hair just before he left for Mexico, and who even claims some credit for that wonder goal! It remains to be seen if Messi will take note, or even if it's possible without surgical intervention.....but those loyal followers are convinced that if he does heed their advice, the famous trophy will be theirs!

You can find the website HERE (in Spanish)

Spain 2 -1 Argentina: Demichelis hands Spain Victory

If this was an international friendly, I cannot wait to see these two lock horns in the heat of a World Cup knockout match. The game flowed from end to end, tackles flew in from all angles, controversy around every corner: pure entertainment. Those lucky 55,000 fans that filled the Vicente Calderón were treated to some scintillating football, high-octane emotion and unrepentant, hot-blooded challenges. Spain won through 2-1 and in doing so continued an extraordinary run of matches that has seen them lose only to the USA in 43 internationals: an incredible statistic considering that run has included Euro 2008 and the whole qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010.

Spain, who surprised everyone by fielding Sergio Busquets instead of Cesc, dominated the first half by picking Argentina off in their unmistakenly fluent and nonchalent manner, whilst the 'Albiceleste' relied on counter attacks led by Messi, Higuaín and the immensely promising youngster from Benfica, Angel Di María. Spain had already given Argentina a warning in the 6th minute when Xavi missed Silva's cross by a whisker, when they finally moved infront courtesy of Xabi Alonso ten minutes later. The goal was beautifully crafted by Iniesta who played a delightful one-two before threading a ball into the path of David Silva who worked space on a sixpence to escape Demichelis and send an arrowed shot towards Romero. The Argentinian keeper could only parry the ball into the 6-yard box where Alonso got ahead of the centreback to smash the ball in with his left peg.

The second half saw Maradona's men work themselves into the game, mostly through robust tackling and incessant pressure on Spain's midfield wizards from Masherano and Gago. Their equaliser came after 61 minutes when Maxi robbed the ball from Albiol and raced into the box only to be clumsily brought down by the Real Madrid defender in his pursuit to rectify the lapse in concentration. Messi stepped up and slotted the penalty past Iker Casillas, who was celebrating his 100th cap. Argentina had gone missing during some of their qualifying matches, but Diego will be happy with how his team fought their way into the match. There were definite signs that maybe Argentina are beginning to turn a corner.

The game was suddenly wide open, with both sides throwing everything into each challenge. Spain had the best chances with Sergio Ramos wasting a glorious opportunity when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy. But their winning goal duely came with only five minutes remaining when Demichelis handled in the area and Xabi Alonso side-footed an unstoppable penalty into the top-right corner for his second of the night. Jesus Navas finally came on for his debut, and put in a sumptuous cross that Negredo only managed to head into Romero's arms. Demechelis even had the chance to make amends when he made Sergio Ramos' miss look good: heading over from about half a metre out. But Spain held on and celebrated the centenary of the Spanish Football Assocation (RFEF) with a fine win over their fierce rivals from South America.

International Friendly 14.11.09

Spain 2 (Alonso 16, 85 p) Argentina 1 (Messi 61 p)

World Cup Playoffs (First Leg) 14.11.09

Greece 0 - 0 Ukraine
Portugal 1 - 0 Bosnia
Ireland 0 - 1 France
Russia 2 - 1 Slovenia

Costa Rica 0 - 1 Uruguay