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Fans Label Lionel Messi 'Overrated' And 'Overhyped' In Thread From 2005

Fans Label Lionel Messi 'Overrated' And 'Overhyped' In Thread From 2005

"I won't be surprised if he breaks down in another three of four seasons..."

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Barcelona's very own Lionel Messi made his competitive debut at the age of 16 years, four months, and 23 days old in a friendly against FC Porto. It didn't take him long to make an impression.

In a career spanning over 15 years, Messi has gone on to pick up five-Ballon d'Ors, nine La Liga titles, four Champions League wins and five European Golden Boots in what has been a truly unique journey in football.

But once upon a time, a number of so called 'fans' doubted his genius.

A number of posts on a Manchester United forum from 2005 have been discovered, highlighting how supporters rated Barcelona's 'next' superstar and well, it now looks a tad silly.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Udinese's Vincent Candela battle for the ball in 2005. Image: PA
Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Udinese's Vincent Candela battle for the ball in 2005. Image: PA

From posts like: "He would last six minutes in the Premiership. Likes too much time with the ball and a bit of a fairy," to "His finishing is way off the mark. He takes too many shots from outside the box and dribbles a lot."

This is a thread that hasn't aged well.

Take it away:

Image: Red Cafe Forum
Image: Red Cafe Forum
Image: Red Cafe Forum
Image: Red Cafe Forum

Image: Red Cafe Forum
Image: Red Cafe Forum

Image: Red Cafe Forum
Image: Red Cafe Forum

Image: Red Cafe Forum
Image: Red Cafe Forum

Image: RedCafe
Image: RedCafe


Image: RedCafe
Image: RedCafe

Despite the number of poor predictions, a number of positive posts were written, including this prediction from 14 years ago.

"I can honestly say that having seen the kid play about 20 that he is the best young player I have seen..."

To put things into perspective, last year, Messi was voted the greatest footballer of all time, beating the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele and Diego Maradona to the prestigious title.

In a four way poll, 26,104 people voted for their GOAT on Twitter, with five-time Balon d'Or winner Messi coming out on top with 44% of the vote.

Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo was a close second, receiving 36% of the vote while Pele and Diego Maradona came in third and fourth with 15% and 5% of the vote, respectively.

The GOAT?

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, SPORT, Football News, Football, Barcelona, Messi, Lionel Messi, Man utd, Champions League, Fans, Fails, La Liga