After Argentina’s devastating defeat to Chile in the Copa America final, Lionel Messi announced his retirement. Messi sent his penalty kick over the crossbar (which has yet to land), costing him and the country of Argentina a fourth loss in a major international tournament final. The five time FIFA Player of the Year and often known as the greatest soccer player of his generation, has yet to bring his country its first major title since 1993. It is no secret that Messi does not bring to Argentina what he brings to Barcelona, and this time he had enough disappointments. “It's been four finals, it's not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over,” said Messi.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, as he can possibly change his mind considering World Cup qualifying matches start in September for Argentina. Regardless, Messi’s rash decision and disappointment to his country calls for second thoughts. Is Messi really the best player of the world? With his retirement, the title of the “best player in the world” is open and I strongly believe there are other football players that deserve it more. Here are my nominations:
1.Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has continuously demonstrated how natural talent and hard work make the perfect combination for a successful career. He is the first player to win the same eight trophies with two different teams, Real Madrid and Manchester United. He recently won La Decima and has led his international team, Portugal, to many international tournament finals. Pele, a Brazilian football legend, believes that “at the moment the best player in the world is Ronaldo. I admire him, if I had to set up a national team he would be my first pick.” And we all know legends are never wrong.
2.Gareth Bale
Bale’s breathtaking shots have captured the hearts of all football fanatics. His skills have allowed him to deliver for both Real Madrid and his home team, Wales. He is currently single handedly carrying Wales into the quarter finals of Euro 2016. After scoring the decisive goals for the Champions League and Copa Del Rey in 2014, the world knew he was a force to be reckon with. Good to know someone that will not choke at a major final game, but can perform well under pressure.
3.Zlatan Ibrahimović
“Ibra” is a character to say the least and a pleasure to watch on and off the field. The naturally gifted Sweden striker has been recognized as one of the best strikers in Europe, winning league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France with six different clubs. Talk about consistency. He also has is the author of one of the most entertaining autobiographies. Unfortunately, the legend is retiring from Sweden this year and will be dearly missed by all.
4.Andres Iniesta
Iniesta is one of the most dedicated midfielders in football. His age has allowed him to gain experience and become very knowledgeable of the game. Not only is he very skilled, but he displays great characteristics of sportsmanship by putting his team before him. To date Iniesta has won five league titles with Barcelona. Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup Final, giving Spain their first ever World Cup and was named Player of the Tournament.
5.Marta Vieira da Silva
Some of the best players in the world of football are among women’s football. Marta has become a superstar in Brazil, Pele himself referred to her as “Pele with a skirt.” She was named FIFA World Player of the Year a record five consecutive times and she holds the record for most goals scored at FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, with 15 goals. As she gets older, her level of playing has decreased but even at her worst she still beats most of the players on any international team, both men and women. If that doesn’t make you the best, I don’t know what does.
