Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff has told the makers of a brand new documentary film about Lionel Messi that he is thankful the Barcelona idol exists.
Yesterday saw the release of a film entitled “Messi” by Spanish director Alex de la Iglesia, which is a Rocky-style biography about the Argentine striker’s rise to super-stardom.
Former Barcelona forward Cruyff, who is often mentioned in the same breath as Brazil’s Pele and Argentina’s Diego Maradona as one of the world’s all-time football icons, has expressed his gratitude of the existence of Messi by saying if the Barcelona favourite had not come along, people would still be harping on about the glory of historical heroes.
Cruyff: “Thank God there is Messi. If he didn’t exist we would still be talking about Maradona, which is absurd. Messi should not be compared, just enjoyed.”
The Dutchman, who played for Barcelona in the 1970’s and managed the side between 1988 and 1996, is one of several football aces who were approached by the film-makers to contribute to the production which premiered yesterday in Rio de Janeiro.
Argentina captain Messi is playing his part in their World Cup campaign and has stunned spectators with his trademark skilful performances that have included four goals in three fixtures.
Argentina have advanced to the World Cup quarter finals as leaders of their group having won each of their three games against Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The film “Messi,” which UK viewers will have to be patient for, gives an insight into the 27-year-old’s journey from humble beginnings in Argentina and reveals the shortcomings he overcame in order to become one of the greatest players of all time.