Lionel Messi's stats since the 2008 season are enough to silence Pelé's absurd claim that the Barcelona captain "shoots with one leg."
Last year, the 78-year-old Brazilian legend took aim at the 31-year-old Argentine ace and questioned his ability on the pitch.
"How can you make a comparison between a guy who heads the ball well, shoots with the left, shoots with the right and another who only shoots with one leg, only has one skill and doesn't head the ball well?" he told Folha de Sao Paulo.
"How can you compare? To compare with Pelé, it has to be someone who shoots well with the left, shoots well with the right and scores headers."
Well, Messi is far from being a one-trick pony. In fact, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored using his right foot, left foot and head, as well as a penalty and a free-kick for every single season since 2008.
Advert
That's right, Messi has been deadly in the final third and hasn't stuck to his "one leg" that Pelé claimed.
Oh, and Pelé better watch out for the Barça star, especially as Messi is closing in on one of his records.
Earlier this month, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde praised one particular attribute that Messi brings to football.
"What I'd most highlight about Leo Messi is his huge sense of responsibility for the team," he told Barça TV. "It shows in every game in every competition.
"What he does is not only difficult, but he does it again and again... That takes enormous mental strength.
"I have never known anyone with such an amazing competitive spirit."
Advert
Advert
How many trophies will Barcelona win this season?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Pele, Ernesto Valverde, Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga, Barca
