Lionel Messi's fascinating take on 'changes' in modern football proves his mind is unlike any other
Lionel Messi's take on the 'problems' in modern football and how it's changed since the start of his career has gone viral.
The Argentina superstar sat down with Movistar Plus ahead of this month's World Cup for a rare interview.
Messi is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, with a whopping 41 major honours to his name.
He's approaching the end of his career, with the footballing landscape drastically different to when he made his debut in 2004.
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There is a lot more focus on systems in the modern game rather than individual talents.
Messi believes it would be difficult for a player like himself to stand out due to the over-reliance on tactics.
Per Barca Universal he explained: "Nowadays it is very difficult for a 10 or 11 year old boy to be in the street playing because of the insecurity on the streets. And now children have many more things like PlayStation, iPad, etc.
"I think football has changed a lot. It’s more difficult to see a player who is different, who is out of the ordinary… Because from a young age you are forced to play in a certain way. And that’s the problem.
"Football is going to be more and more tactical. You can see nowadays that any team can make it difficult for any team without having great players, but playing well tactically and in an organised way. But then it will be more complicated to see ‘extraordinary’ players."
When Messi speaks, you listen. It's a honest assessment about an ever-evolving sport.
The 35-year-old is hoping to lead Argentina to World Cup glory in his fifth and final tournament.
Lionel Scaloni's side are on an outrageous 35-game unbeaten run heading into their Group C opener against Saudi Arabia on November 22.
Argentina will then face Mexico on November 26 before finishing against Poland on November 30.
"This will be my last World Cup - for sure. The decision has been made," Messi told Argentine journalist Sebastian Vignolo in October.
Topics: Lionel Messi
Daniel Marland