Comments on: Would Messi get the same criticism for Balotelli’s back-heel?

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:14:25 +0000

The problem is Mario’s unprofessional and disrespectful reaction to being substituted. Comparing it to Messi unfortunately does not make sense, I have never seen Messi show such a petulant attitude and in a one-on-one situation I cannot see Messi trying that. He would have scored or, at a minimum, tested the goalkeeper. Friendly fixture or not, his job as a striker is to score goals

By: EbanksBlake

EbanksBlake — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:08:10 +0000

I think the criticism of the article is unfair; it’s always interesting to look at something from a different perspective, but I do have to say that I completely disagree with the author.

Although it’s fair to say that the game hardly had the importance of CL final, it’s still a game, and also an important part of pre-season; a striker put through on goal should take the chance whatever game they’re playing in.

Also, the back-heel was an obvious and vulgar example of showboating, something Messi has never been guilty of; even when he dribbles past entire defences he doesn’t use overblown tricks and skills, just pace, intelligence and ability. Balotelli’s back-heel was, although over-publicised and over-criticised, an insult to the opposition and the sense of competition that should be apparent in any game of football.

By: Mahesh

Mahesh — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:54:00 +0000

I am not sure if you are one of those persons wanting to be against the team most adored by lots of people just for the sake of being different or if you are sincerely foolish enough to bring in Barcelona and Messi into this. When have seen anyone in the current Barca team in a friendly or a professional game try stupid tricks. Ronaldinho did a lot, not to show off but as a fun expression.
Now take Balatolli and tell me he was not showboating. Even if you do say not, what has he achieved in football that he can afford to do something like this. Let him achieve something and no one will complain (Ex, CR7) . Just saying I am great is not achieving something. So get your thoughts straight and read your article twice before publishing.

By: Varun

Varun — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:40:53 +0000

How is this even a worthy article.
This is crap and stupid to be honest and direct.

And the answer to the Q is: NO
Because Messi isn’t a tight-ass and plays for the team unlike this buffoon of a player called Balotelli.

By: Amílcar Tavares

Amílcar Tavares — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:27:53 +0000

I think the question is: Would Messi do Balotelli’s back-heel?

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:22:38 +0000

If my auntie had a bollocks she’d be my uncle.

Pretty daft comparison. Messi wouldn’t have tried it, and wouldn’t have reacted that way. Even if he did, he’s the best player in the world, one of the greatest of all time, hasn’t got a history of acting like a muppet.

So what point was it you were trying to make?

By: Kristjan

Kristjan — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:20:16 +0000

You’re completely missing the point. He threw a tantrum after being substituted for the backheel, which is the disgraceful part. I am the first one to bring up Barcelona’s mythical high horse, but come on.