5 times Lionel Messi was underestimated by the world
Being one of the greatest footballers of all-time isn't easy. Ask Lionel Messi.
Your every performance is keenly observed and dissected, your form is always a topic of discussion, and your future, many a time, is a subject of intense speculation.
Lionel Messi bared it all during 17 illustrious years at Barcelona, and much of the same is expected to follow at Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite everything he's accomplished, there were also times when La Pulga was underestimated or written off, for whatever reason. But in most instances, he spectacularly hit back with a heroic performance.
Here, we look back at the
5 times Lionel Messi was grossly underestimated but responded spectacularly
#5 Copa America 2021
While Argentina were among the favorites, as usual, at Copa America 2021, no one really expected them to go all the way, especially after the hosting venues were shifted back to Brazil following a COVID-19 scare in the country.
Lionel Messi, having lost four major international finals, was obviously looking to finally end the drought but not many expected him to, given Seleccao's incredible form going into the tournament.
However, the Argentine captain was at the peak of his powers throughout the campaign and dragged his side to their first international trophy in 28 years, and his first too, starring in every game leading up to the finals.
He finished with four goals (joint-most) and five assists (the highest), winning the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball and a place in the best team of the tournament too.
He finally has that particular monkey off his back.
#4 Versus Real Madrid (2006/07 La Liga)
During the 2006/07 season, Messi was just into his second full-season with Barcelona, although his eye-catching performances had everyone taking notice.
But what he did in El Clasico in March 2007 was truly spectacular. No one saw that coming.
Only 19 at the time, La Pulga stole the show with a superb hat-trick against Real Madrid, his first for Barcelona, helping the Catalans secure a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou.
In just one night, Messi went from being a promising young talent to a potential superstar, and the rest, as we all know, is history.