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We often judge a player by goals, assist and clean sheets but a cool temperament on the field is an understated quality.
In big games, some players can let fɾυȿτɾɑtions get the better of them. On the other hand, a select few can keep level-headed in the most heated of environments. Take Lionel Messi, for example.
The Argentine has been known to channel his anger into world-beating performances, especially during his time atBarcelona.
In fact, former Barca teammateThierry Henryonce told a brilliant story about the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, when he got angry during a training session under Pep Guardiola.
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In a fascinating extract from Rio Ferdinand’sautobiography, Henry recalled when his teammate was fouled in training and didn’t receive a free-kick from his coach.
“So when the ball went back to his goalkeeper, he (Messi) ran back and demanded the ball,” the former Arsenal striker said. “The goalkeeper rolled him the ball, and Messi then proceeded to run thɾօυɢҺ the entire team and score in anger.”
Ferdinand then went into more detail about his conversation with Henry, mentioning the moment he knew ‘Messi was different to anyone we’ve ever seen’.
“Thierry said that was what he used to do in the playground at school,” Ferdinand added. “I did stuff like that too against little kids. But he (Messi) did it against some of the best in the world: Yaya Toure, Puyol, Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets.
“And it wasn’t just that one time. He did it a couple of times.”
Ferdinand added:”Thierry said: ‘Can Ronaldo do that?’ I said, ‘Well, I’ve never seen him do that.’ Thierry played with Zidane andRonaldinhobut they never did anything like that. He said: ‘That’s when I knew Messi was different to anyone we’ve ever seen’.”
