Better Than Messi?

By: cathal | November 18th, 2008

Our Maurito is currently the subject of one of goal.com’s latest editorial debates and the question is simple: Is Mauro better than Messi?

It’s easy to see why these comparisons are being drawn. Both players are Argentinian, 21 years of age and turning in impressive performances for their clubs. However, they have had very, very different careers thus far. Mauro has already plied his trade in three continents whereas Lionel has been fed Miracle-Gro throughout his adolescence in sunny Barcelona. Messi is also widely considered the best footballer in the world (a title I agree he deserves). Zarate has received numerous plaudits for his contribution at Lazio but I think few (except for some outwardly biased laziali) would proclaim him as the world’s best.

A point that I think is worth noting is the inevitable stutter Mauro’s career took when he jetted off for the Middle East. At Velez, Zarate was the leading goalscorer of the Argentine league and at the ripe age of 18. Now, he could have stayed in South America and developed his game or he could have moved to Europe and try things there but surely the megabucks of Asian football was the wrong move for him at that early stage of his career. His loan spell at Birmingham City was highly successful. Bagging 4 goals in 14 games is impressive enough, but bagging that many for a side doomed for relegation is very credible. When I heard about the Lazio move, I had no doubts at all that he would go on to be a huge success. But whether he will ever reach the level of Messi is another story. Clearly he is capable of the same dazzling dribbles, has the necessary balance, probably much better in the air and just as clinical a finisher but end product? That’s where he needs to improve. If he one day sees and makes passes as good as Messi, then I’ll declare him the greatest but until then, he has a lot to learn. How many times have you watched Mauro and just wanted him to do something other than run into space or hit a wild shot? Too many times and that’s the difference. Would he benefit at a bigger club? Of course not. He has made the breakthrough at Lazio and as with all the top players in the world, he is better off establishing himself at a club instead of jumping ship at the first chance he gets. Mauro is finally settled now. Why would he want to go?

I don’t care if he never reaches Messi’s level. As long as Mauro keeps turning in consistently great performances for us, I don’t mind.

Just a couple of other things. We have been re-linked with Pasqual of Fiorentina and also Papa Waigo. I wouldn’t read too much into this but it’s worth keeping an eye on. Also, there was a bit of crowd trouble surrounding the derby and as a result, a decision has been taken to ban Lazio fans from attending the Atalanta game in two weeks. Hopefully this is just a precautionary measure and not the first off many bans.