The day he took his first step Messi

He was only 17 was on everyone's lips and waited in the bank Supplements to take the plunge, and that happened on October 16, 2004, when the coach of Barcelona Lionel Messi asked to enter the field of play to debut in the first division. A fact that today is indeed a milestone in the light of a great career rosarino not yet finished explode and promises much more and already has 19 titles, 265 goals and is on track to his fourth Golden Ball that evening, at the Nou Camp, Messi was 17 years, 3 months and 22 days that he was about to take the big step of a lifetime, when in the 82nd minute of the match between Barcelona and Espanyol, Frank Rijkaard, the Dutch coach in charge of the first team FC Barcelona at the time, decided the Argentine income by Portuguese Deco. was not much in the playing field in those few minutes, but it was the beginning of a great career in this 2012, aged 24 has it about to enter its most mature state. Following the game, Jorge Messi, Lionel's father, asked: "But you're a machine or a human? Really did not have nerves, not legs trembled? ". His son, with the same tranquility and humility that still maintains replied, "No, man, I just wanted to come in and play See if you got the goal!. I try to play football and have fun."

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Lionel Messi 8 years (images)

The Lionel Messi grew ...

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

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Eight years with Messi, the best footballer in the world

On October 16, 2004 Leo Messi debuted with 17 years, 3 months and 22 days, in an official match for FC Barcelona. The meeting was low profile and just had news of the cracks. 'The Flea', Deco replaced in 82 'and let some details of big player in the victory of Barcelona against Espanyol (0-1). After the meeting, Jorge Messi was one of the happiest. "But you're a machine or a human?You really did not have nerves, do not be trembling legs, "asked surprised his son.However Leo took his première factly. "No, man, I just wanted to come in and play See if you got the goal!, Threw 'The Flea'. "I try to play football and have fun. The truth that I do not feel pressure, "he repeated again and again with words that eight years later are still alive in his speech. Rijkaard, while, trying to reduce the noise with Argentina and preferred not to identify after the game. "I was on the bench to four team players. These players have quality and be ready in case you must leave. I do not know if they will play much but should be ready in case you need it. " Leo lived official match debut in the seventh round with the happiness of wearing a Barca shirt but with anger for not having achieved any of the actions you took in the last moments. "When I was on the bench did not think I was going to play to play. But then in the country I demand a lot. I was good against Espanyol, did not touch a lot of balls, but I was wrong by the play I had. Come to think of cold, it must have happened to Ronaldinho who was alone. " Not only stunned Jorge attended the debut of his son, also Celia, who learned in Argentina, coinciding with Mother's Day. "It was the best gift I could give my mom in her day." Messi became the youngest debutant Liga Barca beating Nano, hitherto the earliest at 17, four months and five days. The club was then poured protect the kid, but the Barça squad were quick to realize the potential of this shy young bob. "He's a great player, I'm very happy for his debut in the league and I hope to continue working with us, it would be nice to stay" claimed Ronaldinho, one of the players closest to Argentina in its infancy in the first team. "For your peace of mind did not seem to be his debut. I noticed very full and decided to go for the goal. Makes things atypical for a boy of his age, "Valdes nodded. "His debut so young at the club says it all. It has a lot of projection quality.And that it shows. Just watch him play you realize that ... Yes, you will note, "Xavi warned. In the next match in the Champions League against Milan at San Siro, Leo was not involved, but he made his debut at the Camp Nou against Osasuna replaces Ronaldinho in the final stretch of the game. "I thought I was not going to impress both play in the Nou Camp," admitted Leo. But it was not until day 34 when Messi managed to debut as a striker. It happened against Albacete on 1 May 2005 and Argentina both managed a pass from Ronaldinho Vaseline. Interestingly tracing a disallowed goal minutes before Messi himself. "The boy has shown his talent. A moment before he had a chance and also scored more complicated, "said Rijkaard. "I'm very happy. It was a tough game, "merely commented La Pulga. From then Argentinean progression has been meteoric. Eight years of successes and some devastating numbers that have stirred debate over whether Leo is already the best player ever. The Argentine has 19 titles, 265 goals and is on track for its fourth Golden Ball legend.

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Beckenbauer commitment by Messi Golden Ball .. despite Mourinho

Legendary former German footballer Franz Beckenbauer believes the Argentine Leo Messi is "the best option" to win this year a new Golden Ball, although he admitted that the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo "well he deserves." "Messi The only blemish so far was that Argentina did not equate with his club performances. Already can not talk more about it after he scored two goals and prepare the Sergio Aguero in the 3-0 against Uruguay on Friday qualifier for the World Cup, "Beckenbauer wrote in a column exclusively for the agency dpa. "(Jose) Mourinho has everything to make this time the winner is Ronaldo," Beckenbauer said the coach of Real Madrid. However, the former captain of the German team said "Messi is the best chance to win their fourth trophy followed by world's best player." "Although Ronaldo, if only for his ability to score goals, also he deserves," added the "Kaiser"

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Messi is 'disguised' Ronaldinho free-kick and scored below the barrier

The crack of Barca opened the can the absence of less than half an hour after the final whistle to clinch a good combination network with Di Maria in action 1-0 (65 '). A move that sparked jubilation in the stands ... and also in the public TV Argentina, where he was held both shouting "Do not ever catch a cold, captain." But the best was yet to come. Fifteen minutes later, the '10 'Barca stunned all with one goal only available to large cracks. Executed a kick so unusual, straining the ball below the barrier, taking the leap of Uruguayan defenders (3-0, 79 '). The goal of failure to Leo recalled, and much, to that achieved by Ronaldinho in Barca-Werder Bremen in the Champions League in December 2006. And as another former Barcelona, ​​Rivaldo, in the same competition against Milan in 2001.

READ MORE - Messi is 'disguised' Ronaldinho free-kick and scored below the barrier

Messi: "My son is a fan of the club, for sure"

FC Barcelona striker Leo Messi appeared Tuesday before the microphones of 'Fox Sports Radio' where he showed his enthusiasm for his future fatherhood and analyzed the current time of the Argentina and Barca Tito Vilanova. Leo did not hide when talking about his future son and gave vent to his enthusiasm. "I am grateful to God for all he gave me. I can not wait to be with my son," said a Messi also admitted that for the future baby "gifts have become family," while "the ball the give away when I grow up ". After joking, the '10 'Barca, still relaxed tone, yes that would make clear the footballing preferences of your future child. "I guess my son will be Barça fan ... sure," he said.

The illusion of 'Tito Team'

Precisely Messi also again reminded his time with Pep Guardiola on the bench for Barça and aspirations of the template with the new coach. "With Pep were four years when we won everything and everyone noticed his absence," he said, before ratifying it with Tito the team goes for broke: "With Tito continue with the same enthusiasm to win titles."

From sadness to joy with the albiceleste

Messi celebrated the good moment of the Argentina team but did not hesitate to go over during difficult: "I lived very sad things in the selection by the results." "Now that we won everything gets easier," he added 'The Flea'.

The current streak matches the combined Argentine Leo designation as first captain, a decision that, according to the best player in the world, has not changed the character. "It changed me wear the captain's armband. Well I'm taking with my teammates," he said.

Margin improvement Argentina

Leo also acknowledged his illusion in each call to the national team and revealed that the team is still being improved. "I always really enjoy coming to play with Argentina.'re Growing as a team, we become stronger as a group and we still have," said Messi.

Praise for Falcao

The '10 'Barca and Argentina also hid when providing praise to one of the' scorers' in the Spanish league, the Colombian striker Radamel Falcao. Messi scored by Atletico Madrid as "a great player" and described as "awesome" "quality that has his feet and above."

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Confessions of custodian of Messi, who was a famous bank robber

Daniel Red was one of the most wanted bank robbers of Spain. And it was also custodian of Leo Messi. In an interview published yesterday in La Gazzetta dello Sport, explained how he started working in Barcelona: "In 1997 I decided to change my life and got into the world of football. started working in 2006 in Barcelona. At that time was the coach Rijkaard and the club sent me to pick players who had drunk a lot in clubs and could not drive "  His meeting with Messi was different from other players of Barcelona: "One day I was sent to pick him up after a workout. Messi is a humble guy and when he ate always sat next to me and I told him my life," he said.  Ensures your biggest heist was the theft of 7 million euros to a bank. "If I called The Millionaire was for something, " she told the magazine Amphibious , in a note published last July.  Red, among other figures, was Andrés Calamaro bodyguard and Rosario Flores. He said that now he had no weight of everything he stole. "Insolvent total" told the Spanish Treasury, which claims a debt.  In the interview he said that his hands went "much, much, much" money and assaulted some 500 banks. He said the first robbery took "boquetero" of Spain, who were involved in the Spanish, Argentine and Italian. Among other anecdotes, this man of 1.90 meters and 100 kilos, said he helped escape a brother of Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, and that as a result was able to flee to Colombia, at a time when Spain was wanted by the police and intelligence. After spending a few years in prison (the last time he was sentenced for 32 years imprisonment), and to overcome their addiction to drugs, began guarding Red rock celebrities. He believes that his past is particularly interesting for the musicians of the environment. That was how he became a bodyguard for Messi, in 2005: "The first time I took care of Messi, was a little kid who could not drive. Commissioned me to pass by his house to pick him up. His father was a fan of Calamaro and me too Andrew looked after, we became friends. now at night going to dinner and little meals, "she told the magazine Amphibious.  Red married medical treated him to recover from his drug addiction, and she had twins. Now ensures that no longer accompanies the musicians in rock tour because he wants to spend more time with their children. Three autobiographical books were published about the life of Red, who says that thanks to their royalties get to live and support his family. 

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo once again dominate the Clasico

One day in 20 or 30 years children are even ask their parents: "Have you ever seen play?", And parents will be able to say: "Yes, I've seen them." It will mean there early in the century were two of the best footballers in the history of the sport. Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Maradona, Zidane - they all stood almost alone in its time. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing in the same time, even in the same league and are shaping many years probably the most important derby in the world: the Clasico, the ageless battle between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. On Sunday evening, both wrote another major chapter in the history of the game - and with it their own legend: it was 2-2 in the 254th Edition of Clasicos, two goals made Barcelona Argentine Messi, two of the Portuguese Ronaldo for Real. The commentators were reflected in their assessments: the two were "from another planet," said Madrid coach Jose Mourinho. It was once more "the duel of the giants" was the verdict of the newspaper "Esto" from Mexico, two "men of gold," wrote the Spanish "Marca". Real's Mourinho called then, the question of who is the best of both, should be "banned". Even Germany's basketball star Dirk Nowitzki, who knows in the distant NBA really deal with superlatives tweeted, an eyewitness at the Camp Nou: "An epic game". Ronaldo hit the sixth consecutive Clasico - Record; Messi scored his goals even 16 and 17 against the rival.

Real dominated for a long time the game

With all the spectacle: The Real Draw helps not given eight points behind Barcelona. After all, a defeat would probably have been the championship already decided at this point, because eleven-point lead would be the Catalans can take no more. Being fully aware of the pressure to win, dominated for a long time, the guest of the Spanish capital, the events in the 96,589 spectators filled the Camp Nou Stadium and went through dry Ronaldo shot the near post deserved lead.Barcelona appeared at that time confused and disorganized. And yet it was only the overture for direct match between the two superstars. Messi countered twice: Still in the first half, he made up for with an equally icy statements from eleven meters after Real defender Pepe had committed a faux pas. The second section of the game was unfortunately its already known from the past, less beautiful visage. Fouls and yellow cards piled up. This was followed by a foul then the free kick for Barcelona, ​​Messi flicked the beautifully with his left foot into the right corner of the goal. But Ronaldo once again proved that he has the old accusation of failing in the big games, and repeatedly refuted long ago. Ozil with the perfect pass into the lane, Ronaldo fully stretched to compensate. That Barca striker Montoya two minutes before the end almost the game - and perhaps the championship - had opted for Barca, matched the bizarre history of this game. But it wanted to speak later in the day any more. "It was the perfect result for this match," stated Mourinho. Ronaldo, meanwhile, suffered a shoulder compression. For the World Cup qualifier against the Portuguese selection on Friday against Russia the star striker is, according to the team doctor of Seleccao but are expected to be fit. The Portuguese international had Blessur attempt at an overhead kick in the 64th Minute sustained. Ronaldo was contactors both real-goal at the Estadio Camp Nou in Barcelona. Even his great opponent on the part of the Catalans, World Footballer Lionel Messi was twice successfully.Both have in La Liga already achieved eight goal of the season. In the battle with Russia Ronaldo and the Portuguese play (both 6 points) for the top spot in Group F.

READ MORE - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo once again dominate the Clasico

Falcao bursting onto the Messi-Ronaldo fight for the top scorer

In the rivalry Messi-Ronaldo on breaking records and records scorers has cast a guest, called a striker Radamel Falcao , drawing the focus is on the Barca and Real Madrid, is scoring goals and is even above great favorite at the Golden Ball and the Portuguese. Atletico striker has nine goals , for eight of his rivals for the Pichichi trophy, with its classic two goals expand the list though still tied. The statistics speak for themselves, and remain so, any of them could beat the record scorer in a season which currently holds himself Leo Messi after scoring 50 goals last term. In the struggle between these three eaters of the area there is a differential factor resides in kicks from the penalty spot. Falcao has converted 4 of his 9 goals from the penalty spot, Cristiano has done in 3 of the 8 cases in which he has managed to score, while Messi has become just one of his goals from the penalty spot.

READ MORE - Falcao bursting onto the Messi-Ronaldo fight for the top scorer

Ligue 1: the clash between OM and PSG ended in a draw (2-2)

Spain has Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the France and Ibrahimovic Gignac and do not laugh because it is just as great. And in the end, it ends up like a high-class 2-2 though the second period at the Velodrome especially saw both teams were tired of making goals. Points is the OM which is required in the first round even if the positions are frozen in the standings.But keeping three lengths ahead of PSG, Marseille continued its theme: it is a credible candidate for the title, too. Exciting before the clasico has remained pending. In our wildest dreams we dared imagine a match so dense, with many twists and turns, intensity and game especially.Although three goals were scored on kick off, the OM - PSG has become the technique with the two best French teams of the moment. When the show invites a gala evening, the championship of France wins in relief on a day with very prolific bundesliga total of 33 goals. should congratulate Marseille this morning, the moral winners of this clasico. It has kept all its promises, it is thanks to them. Elie Baup men have combined the fight promised courage. In their place, we cling to the first place even if the length of a season, they do not have enough replacements to travel far. But after Montpellier last season walked on water, PSG has found a new rival, a new troublemaker win the championship. It promises a mano a mano fight away if OM is stunning pace. For PSG, who finished his week test without winning, it is more than likely a warning that interferes when one considers that the capital club still has room for improvement undeniable. It remains unbeaten in L1 and we see also that this season will not reach more than shake the OM last night.Nevertheless, the Parisians have posted too many limits in their week of truth for fully expect to scare their enemies domestic or European. And coaching Carlo Ancelotti yesterday did not exactly give the idea of a team that wanted to win the game. The Italian coach will probably say inexorably, with its size and financial strength, his team will eventually win the title but we would like it to do a little more sometimes, in content as in generosity.

READ MORE - Ligue 1: the clash between OM and PSG ended in a draw (2-2)

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Messi's eclipse of Ronaldo on the biggest stage in the world

The most important football match today again have the two best players in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo Leo Messiy feature in the clash at Camp Nou for another chance to prove who is the best.Every football fan has their own preference on who your favorite player between the two. But if seanalizan statistical data there is no doubt which of them takes on a greater role in estetipo party. In the last 21 clashes between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Lionel Messi has been directly involved in 25 goals (15 goals and 10 assists). The Argentine striker often contributes a goal every 76 minutes before his eternorival, significantly higher than that of Cristiano Ronaldo (one every 169.5 minutes), according to figures provided by Opta. The end could only marcarocho Portuguese Barca goals and after 15 games played against the Catalans have not yet achieved any assistance. Messi has warned fans of Real Madrid than it is able to do this season. His goal-kick in the Santiago Bernabeu accounted achieved both a classic of greater distance from this guy started deestadística register 2005 and although it served to get the Supercup for Barca psyche showed signs of multiple alternatives which has ten Argentine. With Barcelona in the league-released six wins in six games-, Messi once again try to upstage his rivalportugués in the next Classic this weekend.

READ MORE - Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Messi's eclipse of Ronaldo on the biggest stage in the world

PSG want to sign Lionel Messi

Qatari Sheikh Nasser Al-Khelaifi not care about the past of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona. The Swede did not fare well at the Camp Nou, and one of the reasons attributed to this noisy output was the clash of egos with the Argentine star. Explains the newspaper L'Equipe, PSG evaluated the possibility of signing Rosario. According to French newspaper Paris wanted all the crack hire South American, but dismissed his move when he warned that the figures were very high. While the PSG was willing to make a financial sacrifice-one more-the cost of Messi was significantly higher than they dreamed. Is that the termination clause of 10 with Barca Barca is 250 million euros, to which should be added a net annual salary of at least € 15 million. The star of the team, Ibrahumovic himself, sees 14 kilos . Moreover, as there is a tougher tax regime in France than in Spain, hiring Leo seemed impossible. What's more, beyond money, PSG had a challenge as or more difficult to overcome: to convince the world's best player to leave the Nou Camp. Messi could explained whenever their feelings of happiness to belong to Barcelona, ​​where he won everything and went on to win three Ballon d'Or The top scorer in the history of the Catalan club is, until further notice, an impossible dream for Al-Khelaifi .

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Iker Casillas, the WBC decides the Golden Ball

Some have won international awards some have won league titles, some have both. Not the case of Lionel Messi. But the big Argentine player, however, is still considered the most likely of the four top contenders to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or in January thanks to a new record year. The prestigious award has been more controversial than ever in 2012, and many speculate that the recent sadness in Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo comes from the back of his club to Iker Casillas, while others argue that this was due to the pleasure of his fellow club see Andres Iniesta won the UEFA Best Player Award in Europe. Messi, Ronaldo, Casillas and Iniesta will face on Sunday in a new edition of the Classic of Spain-the number 13 in almost 18 months, and although they are not thinking mainly when it leaves it to play, know that an impressive performance at the Camp Nou could swing the vote in their favor. Whether Messi Hat Trick achieves, is to be master Iniesta in midfield, Casillas takes all stops or Christian manages to threaten the entire Blaugrana defense, outstanding action of either remain etched in the minds of voters when deciding.

IKER CASILLAS

STATISTICS IN REAL MADRID IN 2012 Matches 40 Without conceding goals 10 Penalties saved 3 STATISTICS WITH SPAIN IN 2012 Matches 12 Without conceding goals 8 Penalties saved 1

He has been a successful year for Iker Casillas, and has also been a strange year. After conceding importates live free in extremis in front of Malaga and Villarreal in successive weeks, the No. 1 Spain was being criticized by the Whites and it seemed that the chance of winning the title would vanish. But they recovered, and so did San Iker . Los Blancos secured the league to amass a record 100 points and 121 goals, but also highlighted the fact that grant only 21 goals, a statistic that is often overlooked. Yet despite saving two penalties in the semifinals of the Champions against Bayern Munich, the search of the legendary Madrid Tenth had an abrupt end. would not be denied the glory, however, stop after another penalty in a semifinal, in this case against Portugal in Donetsk, then finally ended lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy Trophy of the EURO 2012 with Spain. In that sense, his solid work in that tournament has earned him many plaudits, and a number of former players have said that Iker should win this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or is rumored that many in the Santiago Bernabeu prefer him to win the award before his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo but, realistically, should have a truly legendary performance on Sunday to take their safe hands another trophy .

Andres Iniesta

STATISTICS IN LONDON IN 2012 Matches 36 Goals 4 Assists 11 STATISTICS IN SPAIN IN 2012 Matches 10 Goals 1 Assists 3

It's been another year understated but very elegant for Andres Iniesta. their statistics can not call too much attention to its main rivals in the fight for the prize, but their performances themselves that they have, indeed. He has played fewer games than its three competitors, but has arguably had the greatest impact on the greatest triumph of the year: the victory of Spain for his third consecutive tournament internationally. was protagonist of The Red team that showed some doubts after his debut in EURO 2012 against Italy, but he maintained that level of performance throughout the summer and his teammates quickly came to his level for Spain ended up winning the trophy with minimal effort. Domestically, Iniesta has not had it easy , as the cycle of Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou ended with some disappointment at missing the League. But he gave one of his typical perfect assists to Lionel Messi to create the second goal in a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, when Barcelona were crowned champions of the Copa del Rey. With Ballon EURO 2012 and the award for Best Player of UEFA in Europe already in the bag, Andrew clearly has its supporters, and also very influential supporters. journalists, coaches and players have shown much appreciation for his style in the last 12 months, and would not be a big surprise if he could one Hat Trick of individual awards in January.

LIONEL MESSI

STATISTICS IN LONDON IN 2012 Matches 44 Goals 54 Assists 26 STATISTICS IN ARGENTINA IN 2012 Matches 6 Goals 9 Assists 0

If you are the type of person you want to call statistics really care and hit your face, so Lionel Messi is your man. What more can you say about him, really? has scored 63 times for his club and country this year at a rate of more than one well per game, and has provided assistance to his teammates almost every other game. Leo is in the best scoring streak of his life, and in an incredible year has scored at least three goals in a game in eight separate occasions, even in March, when he became the first player to reach five goals in one game since the modern disputao Champions League format, besides having contributed an impressive Hat Trick for your country a friendly against Brazil in June. Jose Mourinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have suggested that it should win the FIFA Ballon d'Or because he has not won a major trophy this year. You may be right, but they also have two big egos in the sport, and are two men who have been wounded pride because of Messi on numerous occasions. Messi, in fact, has helped the club to win the Copa del Rey, but that's beside the point. Prize will be to recognize the best footballer and he is simply the best on the planet.  

CRISTIANO RONALDO

STATISTICS IN REAL MADRID IN 2012 Matches 42 Goals 47 Assists 7 STATISTICS IN PORTUGAL IN 2012 Matches 11 Goals 5 Assists 3

The EURO 2012 was heralded as a great opportunity to snatch Ronaldo FIFA Golden Ball Messi, and seemed about to let it slip away. But after two mediocre games against Germany and Denmark, was brilliant against Holland and the Czech Republic. Their two impressive performances were so good that observers soon forgot their earlier doubts, but elimination at the hands of Spain has meant that you can not be sure of getting the prize that many believe he does deserve. course He was on fire in the League and played an important role in the Real Madrid-season record with his goal not only his captaincy decisive victory at the Nou Camp in April, which virtually sealed the title. And two Hat Tricks in his last two starts this season, going the same way. But he fell short in the Champions semi-final against Bayern, missing an important shot in the penalty shootout and, in general, doubts remain in regard to 2012. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, and also one of the most influential.But, for one reason or another, often unpopular, and if, as rumors suggest, he is not the favorite to win the prize up for their fellow club then you have little chance of toppling Messi vote. 

READ MORE - Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Iker Casillas, the WBC decides the Golden Ball

Barça-Madrid: Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo maintain the duel at the top

Four seasons and 15 classics later Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue their duel at the top. The stars of Barca and Real Madrid met for the first time with their current teams in November 2009 and still there, fighting side by side for all trophies. Ever get tired, looking excel year after year and highlight in the Barça-Madrid . A few days of a new classic, perhaps the most decaffeinated recent years, the least voltage (and better) results, Argentine and Portuguese follow leading most statistics. Data show no particular significance in the play of their teams but reveals that remain indispensable. In the League and the Champions League. Neither the course started particularly well. The summer break sit well with Messi but was forced to extend their particular preseason while Christian was "sad" for reasons that have not been disclosed. Back in October, once forgotten holidays and (almost) team matches, with Barca and Madrid ready to put the cruise you take it without too much upheaval to fight for every title next spring, the two front arrive at the best version. Consider some numbers. In the League, both added six goals, but Cristiano has scored four from the penalty spot. Only Falcao (7) holds its rhythm. The cracks of Barça and Madrid are the most shooting (38 shots on target, 35 Barca). Leo also added two assists and is the second most fouls (17) receives. analysis of the data leads us, however, find a small aa big difference between these two shining stars that seem to get bigger each game. While Messi is progressively gaining weight in the team game, Cristiano remains the quintessential finisher. probably like that posed by their coaches, the more combinative Guardiola / Vilanova, Mourinho the more vertical. The Argentine, since his move from the band to 'false nine' has been increasingly entering the triangulations with interiors. They constantly seek Xavi, Busquets, Alves, Pedro ... to move forward to the goals. Up to 270 gave Messi passes in five starts and 35 minutes against Getafe. Christian , one of the spearheads of the London, picked to finish the quick counter-attacks planned by Mou, has only 161 passes. In the Champions League remains dynamics obviously because both teams have very defined styles. The Luso is the leading scorer (4) and the most strip (14). Leo Messi added two goals (both against Spartak Moscow) on eight shots on goal. Still, also has two assists. Chapter of passes, the crack of Barca is also among the most involved (47), although far behind his peers as Xavi (leader of this classification with 120 correct assignments), Busquets (77) and Cesc (71 ). Given the usual 4-5-1 posed opposites, the club tries to find solutions and converted Messi can not live on those rides great, beating a rival after another with the ball attached to the feet. In his new role, steeper down to play in midfield, Leo remains crucial, as demonstrated against Sevilla and Benfica with crucial assistance, especially to find Cesc. Just tune lacks finish passing and dribbling to keep the ball defensively and commit to Barça. At Real Madrid , at the Camp Nou that probably will not have the ball too, the speed of Cristiano Ronaldo to catch the passes to space Xabi Alonso, Ozil or playmaker to play will be vital to hurt Barca defense, two particularly pressing plants and converted as Song Mascherano.

READ MORE - Barça-Madrid: Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo maintain the duel at the top