“If Messi did that, we’d be going mad” - Paul Merson in awe of 23-year-old Premier League midfielder
Arsenal legend Paul Merson compared Joao Gomes with Lionel Messi as he highlighted the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder's excellent piece of skill. The Brazil international produced a wonderful dummy which led to Mario Lemina scoring for the Midlands club in their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, September 15.
Wolves have endured a poor start to the 2024-25 season, having drawn one and lost three of their opening four games. With just one point, Gary O’Neil’s side find themselves in the 18th place.
Wolverhampton Wanderers took the lead against Newcastle United at the Molineux. Lemina found the back of the net for Wolves in the 36th minute before Fabian Schar (75') and Harvey Barnes (80') inspired Eddie Howe's side to a comeback win.
Paul Merson was hugely impressed with Joao Gomes, who played a key role in Mario Lemina's goal by starting the move with winning the ball in midfield. He then produced a fantastic dummy to allow Lemina to score from a point-blank range.
Merson hailed Gomes for his presence of mind and intelligence and even compared the Brazilian with Lionel Messi. He was quoted as saying by Molineux News:
“That is unbelievable. If Messi did that, we’d be going mad. Everything about it is phenomenal.”
Joao Gomes has been excellent for Wolves since his reported £15 million switch from Flamengo in January 2023. The 23-year-old has impressed in the Premier League with his dynamism, work rate, and ability to win the ball back.
Gomes was the subject of interest from a host of big clubs from across Europe this summer following his exploits for Wolves. He has also been capped nine times for Brazil, having only made his senior debut for the nation in March 2024.
Pep Guardiola names Lionel Messi as the most complete centre forward in history ahead of Premier League superstar
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola named Lionel Messi as the most complete centre forward in history ahead of Erling Haaland. Despite the Norwegian scoring for fun since bursting onto the scene, the Spaniard believes that Messi is on another level.
An interviewer asked Guardiola after Haaland's hat-trick against Ipswich Town in their 4-1 win on August 24:
"Is he [Erling Haaland] the most complete centre forward we have ever seen in this game?"
Guardiola replied:
"The most complete centre forward ever seen is Lionel Messi."
Pep Guardiola managed Lionel Messi at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 and played a big role in the Argentine's development as a player. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played 219 times under the now-Manchester City manager, producing 211 goals and 94 assists.
Guardiola's stint at Barcelona is widely regarded as one of the most dominant eras in club football, with the now-Inter Miami superstar at the heart of it. Barca won two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles among other honors during that period.