Far from the passion and bias that often accompanies the defence of certain colours, the Messi debate dissolves like a saccharine tablet divided into seven cups of sauce.
Many have little or no doubt about the issue. Messi has on many occasions been the duty consolation and a credible explanation for other people’s defeats that he has provoked. If you were beaten by Messi, well okay, that’s an excuse. That’s Messi. It’s hard to get a complete picture of Messi if he hasn’t played for your team or against your team. Perhaps a Brazilian who cheers for Barcelona or an Argentinian madridista could tell you more.