Cinta seperti Hujan

Cinta seperti hujan. Sebagaimana sentuhan pertama hujan pada tanah menciptakan bau yang selalu dirindukan, demikianlah cinta menyentuh seseorang pertama-tama pada hatinya; dari hati itu muncul keberanian dan kerinduan yang aku tak tahu mana yang lebih besar.

Musim hujan ini datang terlambat. Aku sudah hampir putus asa dengan debu tanah yang terbang ke mana angin membawanya: kamarku. Kalau aku siram taman di samping kamarku, debu tanah itu hanya berhasil dibuat pingsan sementara. Ia akan segera siuman, menyadari siapa yang harus dilawan, dan melakukan serangan balasan. Ia semakin garang menyerang, membawa serta semakin banyak kawan.

Setelah sekian lama, akhirnya hujan itu datang. Kedatangannya membasahi taman dan melumpuhkan pasukan debu tanah itu, sekaligus hatiku dibuatnya basah kuyup. Aku tidak akan lagi mengatakannya “kehujanan”, sebab istilah itu memanipulasi makna seolah-olah hujan tidak aku kehendaki. Aku akan menyebutnya “memeluk hujan”, sebab aku menyambut hujan yang datang dengan penuh kegembiraan. Hujan pemberian Tuhan, dan harus bagaimana lagi aku selain memeluknya dengan keterbukaan anak-anak yang senang bermain hujan? Demikianlah hatiku basah kuyup karena hujan. Aku tidak akan menolaknya sekadar dengan payung rasionalitas. Aku menerimanya dengan gembira; sadar bahwa suatu ketika musim hujan ini akan berakhir. Rasionalitas berbeda dengan kesadaran.

Tanah bukanlah bunga. Pada dirinya ia tidak memiliki keindahan dan keharuman. Orang-orang telah luput memerhatikannya. Tidak ada satupun di dunia yang memberi kekasihnya tanah sebagai ungkapan cinta. Semua memilih bunga. Padahal, tanahlah yang memungkinkan tumbuhan hidup dan bunga mekar pada cabang-cabangnya. Ia juga sering dilupakan orang, tak peduli kenyataan bahwa kepadanyalah orang bersemayam selama-lamanya ketika mati. Orang-orang bahkan cenderung lebih memilih mencintai air, lebih memilih Misool, Santorini, atau Bora-Bora sebagai tempat impian untuk dikunjungi sebelum mati, dibandingkan dengan mencintai tanah, yang sebenarnya lebih memberi kepastian bahwa mereka takkan tenggelam dengan berpijak di atas punggungnya.

Dan ketika hujan datang, tidak ada yang memerhatikan hati ini seperti halnya mereka mengabaikan tanah. Mereka tidak memerhatikan hati yang berdebar lebih cepat saat tanganku basah. Mereka tidak memerhatikan hati ini memerintahkan mata untuk mencuri gerimis. Mereka mengabaikannya dan aku tidak peduli. Ah, tiba-tiba aku ingat kutipan yang indah dari penulis kontemporer terkenal dari Jepang, Haruki Murakami. If you remember me, then I don’t care if everyone else forgets. Jika hujan membuatnya ingat, maka aku tidak peduli lagi akan semua yang mengabaikannya.

Dari tanah yang basah karena hujan pertama, muncul bau yang selalu dirindukan itu. Dari hati yang basah kuyup karena hujan pertama, ada keberanian dan kerinduan yang aku tak tahu mana yang lebih besar.

Cinta seperti hujan.

Hendy Kiawan a.k.a Aseng

Saya tidak tahu apakah "korespondensi aneh" ini pantas diungkapkan dalam media ini. Memang sedikit nyleneh karena waktu itu sebenarnya kami semua masih tinggal di satu atap. Berkunjung dari satu kamar ke kamar lain hanya butuh beberapa detik saja.

Tapi, memang laki-laki lain dari perempuan. Perempuan mudah bercerita mengenai isi hatinya. Laki-laki tidak. Naluri alamiah laki-laki menyimpan perkara di dalam hati. Seperti Maria, yang menjadi kekecualian bagi kaum perempuan. Kekecualian karena Maria memiliki keberanian dan kekuatan yang tak semua perempuan, bahkan juga laki-laki, miliki. Ia bertindak tidak berdasarkan naluri-naluri kodrati, tetapi berlandaskan iman yang kuat. Iman itu yang memungkinkannya menyimpan segala perkara di dalam hati. Memendam dalam keheningan seperti biasanya seorang laki-laki lakukan. Terpujilah engkau di antara wanita.

Karena laki-laki tidak biasa mengungkapkan isi hati itulah, ada "korespondensi aneh" ini. Kami mengenalnya dengan istilah Correctio Fraterna (CF). CF biasanya berisi penilaian tertentu kepada seorang teman. Jadi, misalnya CF dilakukan dalam kelompok beranggotakan delapan orang, masing-masing orang akan menerima tujuh penilaian (dari tujuh teman) dan mesti membuat tujuh penilaian (untuk tujuh teman). Kami sepakat CF dilakukan dalam bentuk surat pribadi. Rasanya bentuk itu lebih manusiawi daripada sekadar poin-poin penilaian.

Di sini, saya ingin berbagi korespondensi saya dengan salah satu sahabat saya, Hendy Kiawan. Saya sudah bersahabat dengannya selama sebelas tahun. Terhitung sejak tahun 2003, ketika kami masuk ke Seminari Mertoyudan. Apa yang ia tulis dalam surat menyentuh hati saya. Sebaliknya, katanya sih, apa yang saya tulis juga menyentuh dia. Jadi sama-sama trenyuh, hehe. Tahun 2014 ini, dia memutuskan mengundurkan diri dari proses pendidikan calon imam. Banyak yang merasa kehilangan, termasuk saya. Suasana di seminari tidak pernah sama setelah ia pergi. 

Berikut isi surat yang ia tulis.

Fr. Igo Milandi

Ndut...

Sing pertama aku njaluk ngapura ya. Awake dhewe kan wis bareng-bareng saka MP, berjuang bersama, gelutan bareng, mangan bareng, kelon bareng. Apa-apa bareng, nganti arep mbuka warung sengsu wong loro. Tapi ya pie maneh Ndut, kayane aku kudu mutuske metu. Koe kan ya sing pisanan tak critani pengolahan uripku sak bubare wawancara karo Rama Rektor ndisik.

Ndut, pokoke aku njaluk ngapura sik nak tau salah karo kowe. Mungkin, omonganku sing nglarani ati termasuk tingkah lakuku sing kadang nganeh-anehi. Ya wis dianggep kosong-kosong meneh wae, he..he... Suk ra tak baleni maneh ndemok susu wis...wkwkwk kecuali nak pas mendem bareng. 

Su... aku yakin og timbalanmu mantep banget dan kamu sudah memperjuangkannya dari dulu. Urip ning komunitas ya iso memberi warna dengan segala tingkah laku dan keimutanmu. Nggo aku, kowe ki wonge teges banget. Mawar (bukan nama sebenarnya) wae nganti wedi banget karo kowe he..he..he... Padahal kan kowe Levirat'e de'e wkwkwk. Bar kuwi lagi jatahe Ridwan.

Mbok'o kowe sok cuwek ngono kadang-kadang, tapi sejatine kowe sayang banget karo kanca-kanca angkatan. Suwun ya. Karo keluarga uga sayang banget. Ya kuwi dadi modal sisuk nak nresnani umat sing dipasrahke Gereja marang kowe. Sing cetha aku bersyukur banget duwe kanca kaya kowe Ndut. 

Suk nak dadi rama aja lali karo aku ya Ndut. Santai wae tahbisan kok ning mbuh kapan ha..ha..ha... Tapi pas retret kowe kan ngomong dewe wingi nak arep membuka pintu selebar-lebarnya pada rencana Allah. Lha kuwi sing saiki tak rasakke. Kadangkala rencana Allah kerep nganeh-anehi lan ora iso diprediksi. Tapi aku yakin og Ndut, endinge mesti gawe bungah. Santai wae, mbok repote kaya ngapa nak kowe mantep dadi Rama ya dilakoni wae. Ndut, meski bakale akeh kejutan-kejutan tak terduga. 

Ndut, tambah sregep sembahyang ya. Aja lali nyembahyangke aku lan kanca-kanca. Justru pas posisi hidup tanpa kejelasan kaya aku ngene ki jaminane mung iso sembahyang lan njaluk disembahyangke. Muga-muga kowe uga bisa ningkatke rasa kepedulian marang wong-wong ning sak kiwo tengenmu. Santai wae, kowe nduwe potensi nggo ditresnani wong og. Nyatane aku karo kowe ora iso nesu he..he..he...

Saiki aku serius ki Ndut... Aku mbok titip Jaran Iman Ndut... Tenan Su... Kelingan jaman semono. Nak dewe ditunggoni kakak kelas kuwi rasane ayem. Ya pisan pindo ngetok. Syukur-syukur iso melu proses saka refleksi nganti tampilan. Ya aku reti sih, suk tingkat VI bakale sibuk. Ning nak ra kowe arep tak titipke sapa maneh. Kelingan ra jaman semono dewe tau etok-etok dolanan watak sok-sokan teater di mana-mana, wkwkwk

Suwun ya Ndut, pisan maneh

aku bersyukur duwe kanca kowe.

Dan berikut cuplikan dari surat yang saya tulis untuk Aseng:

rumangsamu dhewe wis kekancan pirang tahun seng, saiki kowe arep metu? ibarate nak kekancanane dhewe duwe anak, anak kuwi wis kelas lima SD, seng.

aku wis pernah kelara-lara ditinggal metu megandika, zum-zum juga, saiki kowe. ra tau kepikir kepiye anggonku nguripi panggilan nak ra ana kowe to, seng? ket ndhisik kowe mung takon terus, “ndut, nek aku metu piye?” ngapa kowe ora takon, “nek aku metu, gendut piye ya?”

asu pancen. dalane Gusti kok abote kaya ngene. aku tansaya dina tansaya sadar, seng. sing marai dalane Gusti ki abote ra eram ki dudu apa sing kita tinggalkan, tapi apa sing meninggalkan kita. gusti Yesus mungkin pas nang Getsemani ya merga kuwi rumangsa abot, merga arep ditinggalke murid-muride. pas nang salib, yesus nganti omong eloi eloi lama sabakhtani. gusti Yesus rumangsa ditinggalke karo Bapa.

saiki piye enake? aku ra takon piye apike soale keputusanmu metu ki wis apik, seng. tak dukung 100 persen. sanajan mungkin aku ora paham tenan, karang yo aku goblok, ning selama kowe karo aku bareng ning seminari minimal aku ngrasakke percikan-percikan pergulatanmu. aku percaya emanuel, gusti tansah ngamping-ampingi dhewe, apa maneh bapakku jenenge emanuel judi marsana. emanuel juga pas kowe mutuske metu, emanuel pas kowe nglakoni dalanmu sing anyar. aku ya percaya nak kowe bakal sukses, seng, luwih sukses timbang dono apa joko. jadi harapan itu ada.

aku takon piye enake. piye apike wis jelas, wis kejawab. saiki urusane karo piye enake? enak nggo kowe, enak nggo aku. kuwi pertanyaan sing durung kejawab. mungkin dhewe kudu nenggak bekonang sik ben isa njawab kanthi bungah gambira.

Semoga Tuhan melindungi dan memberikan berkat melimpah untukmu, Seng. Gek kangen ki karo kowe. Pengen mendem bareng.

Humor Mgr. I. Suharyo, Pr

Pernah dengar cerita Mgr. I. Suharyo, Pr, Uskup Keuskupan Agung Jakarta, yang ketika menyampaikan sambutan dalam sinode para uskup tahun 2012 di Vatikan membuat para uskup lain tertawa terbahak-bahak? Begitu lucunya sampai muncul istilah "heartfelt laughter" untuk mendeskripsikan bagaimana para uskup itu tertawa. 

Sambutan Mgr. I. Suharyo, Pr tidak panjang. Tidak lebih dari lima menit, sebab konon jika lebay, tepat pada menit kelima microphone akan dimatikan oleh operator. Sambutan beliau singkat saja. Yang menarik, alih-alih menggunakan bahasa teologis yang sulit dicerna akal budi, Mgr. I. Suharyo, Pr, menggunakan bahasa yang ringan, sederhana, dan mudah dipahami.

Berikut isi sambutannya. Kalau cermat, Anda pasti bisa menunjukkan bagian mana yang membuat audiens meledak dalam tawa.

I would like to share with you a simple experience I had during my visit to a parish where I met a local catechist.

I asked him, “How many catechumens do you have?”.

I was surprised to hear that he had more than ninety catechumens. It was quite a lot. I asked him further, “Have you ever asked your catechumens why they wish to be baptized into the Catholic Church?”.

He answered, “Many of them said that they were touched by the way Catholics pray during public events such as wedding feasts or funeral services”.

The prayers are so touching to their hearts, because in those occasions the invocations and benedictions are delivered in their vernacular mother tongue so that they readily understand the content, whereas before they usually heard prayers recited in a foreign language, as Muslims pray in Arabic.

The Church’s evangelizing activity is – as we all understand – an act of communication which entails two basic components, namely the communication content or message – God’s revelation and faith in Jesus Christ – and the communication medium – means and language within a faith community context.

As far as language is concerned, translating one liturgical text to another – and any text for that matter, often prompts us to face delicate challenges or even problems. There is on the one hand, the demand for literal translation. On the other hand, we all understand that literal translation is not always possible, because of the diversity and complexity of languages.

For example when the priest addresses the people, “Dominus vobiscum”, and the people are to reply “Et cum spiritu tuo”. The word “spiritus” as translated into “roh” in our language could readily evoke the idea of “evil spirit”, thus “et cum spiritu tuo” means for some communities “with your evil spirit”.

My wish – I hope that I am not alone – is that the translation of liturgical text ought not always to be done literally, rather seriously take into account the diversity of the cultural background.

Could the principle of subsidiarity be applied in the task of translation and even in other areas of the life of the local Church? – Subsidiarity being the spirit of Vatican II.

In this way we keep our “fidelity both to the message whose servants we are and to the people to whom we must transmit it”, (EN 4), particularly with respect to the young who live in a mass-media culture, the Church must strive to convey her message in a language that touches their hearts.

In this way, the local Church will become more communicative and expressive and as a result the faith of the people will be more energized and more relevant to their Catholic lives and engagement both in the Church and in the world.

Fine

Spiritualisme Kritis

Perjalanan kesadaranku mungkin mirip sejarah pemikiran Eropa. Atau, aku semata-mata lebih mudah memahami sejarah pemikiran Eropa dengan mengacu pengalamanku sendiri. Jika disederhanakan, ada tiga periode utama: religiusitas, sekularisme, dan hm, pasca-sekularisme.

Eropa mengalami era Kristianitas dari awal Masehi hingga akhir Zaman Pertengahan atau kira-kira abad ke-15. Aku juga mengalami periode Kristianitas-ku dari kanak hingga akhir usia belasan. Aku dibaptis saat bayi, dididik dalam keluarga taat, dan belajar di sekolah Katolik hingga lulus SMA.

Setelah itu, Eropa memasuki zaman pencerahan dan rasionalitas. Ketergantungan pada agama dipangkas. Orientasi manusia bukan lagi surga, melainkan dunia. Sekularisme adalah pemisahan agama dan kekuasaan negara. Hukum negara tak lagi mencari dasar pada ayat-ayat suci, melainkan pada keadilan bersama hari ini. Tak ada lagi orang boleh dihukum karena ayat-ayat. Manusia hanya boleh dihukum karena menyalahi keadilan di dunia. Aku juga mengalami era sekularisme ketika memasuki usia 20-an. Hukum-hukum di dalam diriku tak lagi dikuasai aturan model Sepuluh Perintah Allah atau dogma Gereja. Aku memiliki hati nurani dan akal budi yang bisa menimbang baik-buruk secara kontekstual. Pada periode ini aku membenci institusi agama. Lembaga agama adalah makhluk yang harus dicurigai. Perannya harus dibuat sekecil mungkin, jika tidak bisa dilenyapkan. Aku menyukai lagu John Lennon: Imagine there's no heaven. And no religion too...

Menjelang 40-an aku tampaknya memasuki era baru. Aku tak lagi memusuhi agama. Mungkin karena aku sudah berhasil membebaskan diri darinya selama dua puluh tahun ini. Sama seperti terhadap ayahku. Setelah aku berhasil lepas dan mandiri, aku justru mampu menghargai Ayah. Agama, seperti Ayah, adalah kekuasaan yang, jika tidak pernah dilawan, akan menjadi penghalang aku bertumbuh sebagai individu. Tapi jika kau melawan agama, atau ayahmu, dengan tepat serta kemarahan yang pas, jangan berlebihan, kau akan tahu dengan cara baru bahwa mereka tak lain adalah darah, daging, dan roh yang membangun dirimu. Dalam kemerdekaanku, aku jadi bisa menghargai.

Aku tak tahu apakah Eropa juga mengalami pasca-sekularisme yang sama. Atau mungkin dengan cara yang berbeda.

Dalam periode pasca-sekularisme ini ada spiritualitas baru. Aku senang menyebutnya spiritualisme-kritis. Artinya, kau menghargai yang tak terlihat tak terukur, yang spiritual, yang rohani, tapi kau tak mengkhianati nalar kritismu.

Begini. Pada era beragama awal, hukum agama dipakai untuk memenjarakan nalar. Nalar kritis dianggap mengancam agama. Keadaan berbalik di tahap berikutnya. Pada era sekular, rasio atau nalar memusuhi agama, yang dulu memenjarakan mereka. Keduanya sesungguhnya berorientasi kekuasaan. Pada tahap pasca-sekularisme, masing-masing menyadari sifatnya dan bisa bernegosiasi. Spiritualitas menyerupai yang feminin. Ia memerlukan keterbukaan. Puncaknya adalah keterbukaan terhadap yang tak bisa diketahui. Nalar menyerupai yang maskulin. Ia membutuhkan kekakuan. Rigorous membutuhkan rigor. Ia memang harus mencoba mengetahui. Tapi yang pertama dalam sikap spiritual-kritis adalah terbuka. Sikap bersedia menerima. (Termasuk menerima, yaitu mengakui, ketidaktahuan.) Setelah itu barulah sikap menguji.

Sikap menguji tanpa kesediaan menerima ketidaktahuan sama saja dengan penolakan semata-mata.

Sikap terbuka tanpa kesediaan menerima ketidaktahuan sama saja dengan menutup diri.

Tapi sikap mengagungkan ketidaktahuan adalah kebodohan yang sangat berbahaya.

Jika kau menjadi bingung, baiklah sementara ini kembali pada rumusan yang semula. Spiritualisme kritis adalah penghargaan terhadap yang spiritual tanpa mengkhianati nalar kritis.

Ayu Utami, Simple Miracles, 55-57.

"It is never too late"

At one of the most tragic moments of the Crucifixion, one of the thieves noticed that the man dying beside him was the Son of God.

‘Lord, remember me when You are in Heaven’, said the thief.
‘In truth, today you shall be with me in Heaven’, answered Jesus, turning a bandit into the first saint of the Catholic Church: Saint Dimas.

We don’t know why Dimas was condemned to death. The Bible tells us that he confessed his guilt and that he was crucified for the crimes he had committed.
Let us suppose that he did something cruel, awful enough to end his life in that fashion; yet, even so, in his final minutes of life, he was redeemed – and glorified – by an act of faith.

Remember this example when for some reason you feel unable to continue on your path. It is never too late.

Written by Paulo Coelho on 6 October 2014

note:

The Catholic Church never formally canonized Saint Dismas, though he is regarded as a saint by virtue of Jesus saying, "you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43), and by local church traditions. The feast of St. Dismas is on the 25th of March, shared with the feast of The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Tentang Mbah Eling dan Romo Hari Kustono

Belum lama ini, saya berkunjung ke rumah simbah di Semarang. Mengejutkan ketika mbah Eling harus bertanya "Njenengan punika sinten?" ketika saya datang. Baru ketika saya menyebutkan dengan agak keras "Kula Igo, mbah", beliau mengingat saya kembali.

Saya mafhum. Mbah Eling sudah sepuh. Beliau menuturkan bahwa pada tahun ini usianya genap 84 tahun. Memori jangka pendek sedikit demi sedikit telah terkikis. Yang muncul kembali justru memori yang terekam lama, seperti keterlibatannya dalam perang kemerdekaan. Ya, simbah beberapa kali menceritakan kepada saya tentang keikutsertaannya menjadi tentara pada zaman Jepang (awal tahun 1940-an) dan zaman clash (upaya Belanda menjajah kembali Indonesia di akhir tahun 1940-an).

Yang akhirnya menyentuh hati saya adalah ketika simbah berbicara mengenai situasi batinnya hari-hari ini. Ada nada keluhan dalam tutur kata simbah ketika beliau menceritakan penyakit gulanya -beliau paling terganggu ketika tidak bisa tidur dengan nyenyak. Hati saya semakin tersentuh ketika simbah menyatakan sudah siap untuk dipanggil Tuhan. Sembari merentangkan kedua tangannya, mbah Eling berkata, "Kalau Gusti sudah menghendaki, mangga." Saya hanya terdiam melihatnya. Hati saya penuh empati dan kekaguman. Mbah Eling benar-benar orang yang imannya kuat.

Iman yang kuat itu pula yang saya lihat dalam diri Rm. A. Hari Kustono, Pr yang dipanggil Tuhan hari ini. Dua minggu terakhir, beliau harus berhadapan dengan kanker darah ganas yang menyerang tubuhnya. Sebelum dirawat di Panti Rapih, beberapa waktu yang lalu di salah satu kelas ketika mengajar, beliau bahkan masih dapat berkelakar, "Sepertinya umur saya tinggal satu bulan."

Romo Hari adalah seorang imam yang sederhana dan rendah hati. Sederhana, karena hidupnya tidak terikat dengan harta duniawi. Mobil tidak beliau miliki, ke mana-mana beliau menggunakan sepeda motor Supra miliknya. Harta yang ia miliki ia bagikan kepada orang yang membutuhkan. Beliau memiliki beberapa anak angkat yang biaya pendidikannya beliau tanggung. Rendah hati, karena beliau senantiasa menghormati orang lain melebihi dirinya sendiri. Beliau selalu berinisiatif menyapa para frater dengan tulus dan penuh kasih sayang. Ketika Seminari Tinggi menjadi tempat tinggal para pengungsi erupsi gunung Merapi tahun 2010, kerendahan hatinya membuat kami kagum. Beliau membangun jemuran bagi para pengungsi bahkan dengan menggotong di atas bahunya sendiri bambu-bambu yang ada. Ketika di kebun belakang, ada senam yang kebanyakan dihadiri oleh ibu-ibu, romo Hari juga dengan penuh semangat mengikuti senam. Kerendahan hatinya justru yang membuatnya besar. Ia sangat dihormati di kalangan imam lain. Bahkan para imam yesuit pun menghormati romo Hari sebagai orang yang suci dan rendah hati.

Ada pengalaman yang tidak akan saya lupakan soal kerendahan hati romo Hari. Saat itu, beliau sedang duduk bersama kami para frater di kursi ijo (baca: tempat santai para frater). Kami sedang berbicara soal kandidat uskup untuk menggantikan Mgr. I. Suharyo, Pr yang diberi tugas baru menjadi uskup di Jakarta. Salah satu kandidat yang populer bagi kami para frater tentu saja romo Hari (mengingat kerendahan hati dan kebaikannya). Kami pun menggoda beliau dengan penuh keceriaan, "Kados pundi, romo, siap dados uskup?" Jawabannya menggemparkan, membuat kami meledak dalam tawa. Tanggapan beliau, "Walah, boten, boten. Kula punika namung telek."

Angkatan kami: Agung Bramanthya, Bram Mahendra, Megandika Wicaksono, Vigo Milandi, Hendy Kiawan, Dimmas Cahya, Andika Bhayangkara, Wahyu Rusmana, Fajar Kristianto, David Susilo Nugroho, Nian Destratama, dan Heri Krismawanto, takkan pernah melupakan pendampingan romo Hari sebagai wali tingkat kami. Kenangan berziarah bersama ke Jatiningsih, Klepu, dengan bersepeda motor -bahkan sampai kehujanan akan selalu lekat dalam ingatan ini. Harum kopi angkringan itu akan selalu terhirup bersama dengan kenangan akan beliau.

Rm. A. Hari Kustono, Pr dan Dimmas Cahya

 

Mengusap rambut anak jalanan

Njajakke bakso di pinggir jalan

Hadiah ulang tahun dari angkatan kami

Sugeng tindak, Rm. A. Hari Kustono, Pr, pangen kawula. Rest in Peace.

Quotes on Messi

Pep Guardiola :

“Put in the superlatives yourselves, I’m running out. It’s already been a while now that he has been outstanding. He’s more than decisive in every way. That he’s capable of doing everything that he does at his age is something impressive, that doesn't make any sense."

“The best players are always in the thick of the action. (Michael) Jordan did it with the Bulls, (Kobe) Bryant does it with the Lakers and Leo does it here. We want him to stay with us because he’s the best and we wouldn’t swap him for anyone.”

“Messi is an irreplaceable player, today if he was here we would have won 5-0 but he was not and we had to play another in his place.”

“The numbers speak for themselves. One day he'll score six - we'll never see a player like him again.”

“Nobody is more complete than Messi - he is the best at everything.”

“2008-2012 wasn't the Guardiola era at FC Barcelona, it was the Messi era.”

“It has been an honour to be the coach of the best player (Messi) I have ever seen and probably the best I will see.”

Fabio Capello :

"Cristiano knows English, Messi knows football."

“In my entire life I have never seen a player of such quality and personality at such a young age, particularly wearing the ‘heavy’ shirt of one of the world’s great clubs.”

Diego Maradona :

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius and he can become an even better player.”

“His potential is limitless and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.”

“Messi I think is like me, he is the best in the world along with Ronaldinho.”

Frank Rijkaard :

“He’s a unique player and he deserves it, because he can do things of almost imperceptible excellence and is a gem to watch.”

" Leo’s goals are works of art.”

Johann Cruyff :

“He deserves ten out of ten for doing what he does. He is a sensation, but still he can improve. He must know when to move the ball on quickly and when to try the impossible mission. When he learns this, he won’t win a single Golden Ball, but an entire collection.”

“For the world of football, Messi is a treasure because he is role model for children around the world.”

“Messi will be the player to win the most Ballons d’Or in history. He will win five, six, seven. He is incomparable. He’s in a different league.”

Carlos Tevez :

“His speed is astonishing. It’s amazing how he can go 1 to 100 in just one second. I’m constantly around great players like Cristiano and Rooney, But this guy is just a step up above every other great footballer out there at the moment, Not only is he quick, determined, and extremely intelligent on the ball, but his movement off the ball is just as fantastic – unbelievable to sum it up in a word.”

“My ideal trident would be myself alongside Rooney and Messi. They are the players who make me dream - not Cristiano.”

Juan Sebastian Veron :

“I see Maradona every time he grabs the ball and accelerates. We must protect him. I’d personally put him in a drawer of my bedside table.”

Gilberto :

“Messi’s plaudits are hard to accept, we play in other countries and we do not see the local fans supporting our players there. Over 40 thousand Brazilians applauded, and that’s hard for who is on the field. When I see them applauding Messi I get annoyed.”

Julio Grondona :

“Without Messi there isn't a team for Argentina, Messi is brilliant, different, with a strong mentality. Let’s hope he doesn't change.”

Jose Mourinho :

“The best way to stop Messi is when you play with 11 men and then you can double mark him, one player to stay on him and the other to help out. If it is 11 against 10 then you have almost no chance of stopping him.”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge :

“Nobody was so wonderful at 19 years, neither Pele nor Maradona.”

Fernando Gago :

“For me, the best in the world is Messi because of the way he plays, moves with the ball and changes matches, Messi has incredible ability and I love the way that he plays.”

“Messi is the best player in the world by some way, I always thank God that he is an Argentine, not just as a player, but as a person too. I have known him since I was 18, he is incredible, a very good person and we are very good friends. Right now, he is at another club, and we have a little bit of a rivalry, but the friendship is larger and stronger.”

Theirry Henry :

“I have the possibility to watch Messi in training each morning, and because of what he demonstrates he is the best player in the world, he stated during a press conference. It is a pleasure to watch him, and because of the way he plays he is an undisputed leader of the Barcelona team.”

“What Leo does is so incredible that I have to be careful not to stand still watching him make his moves.”

Antonio Cassano :

“Ronaldinho is better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but neither are as good as Leo Messi.”

“Messi is the best player in the history of football, and that’s why I prefer Barça over Real Madrid.”

“Lionel Messi is 10 levels above anybody else. In my opinion Messi is the most important player in history. I’m in love with him, on a footballing level.”

“I named my son Lionel because I’m a massive fan of the best player in history. My wife wasn’t keen, but I convinced her.”

Sergio Aguero :

“Nowadays, Messi is better than Ronaldinho. He is the best footballer in the world right now. And I’m not the only who says so. Everyone who has seen him play says so too.”

“Messi won 3 Ballons d’Or and is competing for another one. He will be the best player in the world until he retires.”

Pele :

“I knew when we gave Kaka the FIFA World Player of the Year award that he (messi) would become the best player in the world. With young people like him we need patience and that is the problem we have in Brazil.”

“At the moment, Messi is the best!”

“I like Messi a lot, he’s a great player. Technically, we’re practically at the same level.”

“For his quality, Neymar deserved to play in the best team in the world, alongside the best player in the world - which is Messi.”

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ( Brazilian president) :

“When I see Messi – who is the best player in the world in my opinion – lose the ball, he runs off until he gets it back or commits a foul. Our guys lose the ball and fold their arms.”

Carles Puyol :

“He is a spectacular player, there is nobody else like him. I should not because I have suffered so much in training. I think he is the best forward at the moment and I think he will be so for many more years. He has his feet on the ground.”

Cesc Fabregas :

“He has a great future if he can stay clear of injuries. For me, he is the best there is.”

Ronaldinho :

“Every time he plays, Leo Messi reminds me more of Maradona, both left-footed and short, Messi is the best player in the world, along with Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo. For us it is not a surprise. Since he began to come and train with us and we knew we would go down this path. Someday I will explain that I was at the birth of one of the footballing greats: Leo Messi.”

“The only regret I have is not playing more seasons with Leo. I could see even at a young age he was going to be the best.”

Daniel Alves :

“Lionel Messi? When I played against him at Sevilla it was always very difficult, so now I’m pleased that we’re on the same side. He’s just fantastic.”

Mikel Arteta :

“It is as if someone commands him from the stands, like a video game. I have never seen a human run with the ball at that speed. I have not seen Maradona so I cannot compare, but Messi is simply unbeatable.”

Raul :

“The other day I saw one of his games. He was running with the ball at a hundred percent full speed, I don’t know how many touches he took, maybe five or six, but the ball was glued to his foot. It’s practically impossible!”

Xavi :

“It is clear that Messi is on a level above all others. Those who do not see that are blind.”

“If he continues like this, then I think Messi will be the best player in the history of football.”

“In my view, Messi is the greatest player of all time. He’s the best there is.”

Johnny Heitinga

“I believe that I played well against Barcelona, the problem was that Lionel Messi was simply unstoppable.”

“Mejores jugador del Mundo Messi! Best player in the World!”

 Arsene Wenger :

“He’s like a PlayStation.”

“Who is the Best Player in the World? Leo Messi. Who is the Best Player Ever? Leo Messi!”

Wayne Rooney (ManUnited) :

“Messi is a joke, for me the best ever!”

“The way he plays the game, the goals he scores - he just looks spectacular. In my eyes, Lionel Messi is the best ever.”

Ferrer (ex-Barcelona, Chelsea) :

“I played with Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Laudrup and Stoichkov but Messi is the best I’ve seen.”

McDermott (Assistant Newcastle) :

“For those asking i do think Messi is the best ever yes. Kenny was the best player i ever played with.”

Eidur Gudjohnsen (ex-Chelsea, Barcelona) :

“Messi’s control is the best I have ever seen, it is truly breathtaking.”

Krankl (ex-Barcelona) :

“Messi is the world’s number 1. Cruyff was my youth idol, him and Messi are the best players I saw in my life.”

Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham) :

“Best football player I played against? I think Messi. He killed us.”

Ivan Helguera (ex-Real Madrid) :

“For me, Messi is the best player in history.”

Laporta (Ex President, Barcelona) :

“Messi is the best player in the world right now and the best ever. Together with Cruyff and Maradona, he’s the best we’ve seen at the club.”

Huntelaar (Schalke) :

“Who’s better, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Messi. Ronaldo is good, but Messi is ten times better.”

Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid) :

“Messi or Ronaldo best player in the world? In the world, I would say Ronaldo. Messi is from another planet.”

Sandro Rossell (President, Barcelona) :

“I think Barca will never have a player like Messi again. Messi’s greatness is present on and off the field of play.”

Roy Keane (Ex ManUnited) :

“I was a big fan of Maradona growing up and of the current crop Ronaldo is good, but Messi is the best I’ve ever seen. I don’t dish out praise lightly but Messi deserves it. I look for weaknesses in his game and I can’t find them.”

Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) :

“Best Player I played against? Messi, when he plays wide. He is the best in the world. Football seems easy when he plays it.”

"Toughest player I came up against? Messi. He is the best player in the world. He's very skilful and naturally gifted."

Javier Mascherano (Barcelona) :

“Although he may not be human, it’s good that Messi still thinks he is. Messi plays some another sport.”

“There are forwards that do not reach 91 goals in their whole career - Leo managed it in a single year.”

“He’s a footballing assassin, he goes onto the pitch to collect his victims.”

Gerard Pique (Barcelona) :

“It doesn’t matter where Messi plays, if it’s cold or hot, he always proves that he’s the best.”

“It feels good to be in the same generation as him. I believe he’s the best player in the history of the sport.”

Munir El Haddadi (Barcelona) :

“I’ve always said Messi is my idol and he still is. It’s a dream come true to play with him - it’s like I won the lottery!”

Marcello Lippi (Ex Coach, Italy) :

“The best? Messi.”

Arjen Robben (Ex Real Madrid) :

“Messi is on another planet.”

Sir Alex Ferguson (Ex Coach, ManUnited) :

“Critics have always questioned whether players like Pele from the 50s could play today. Lionel Messi could play in the 1950s and the present day, as could Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff because they are all great players. Lionel Messi without question fits into that category.”

Paulo Maldini (Ex AC Milan) :

“When I see Lionel Messi playing, I think he should win it (Ballon d’or) every year. I have no doubt. He is an unbelievable player.”

Ryan Giggs (Ex ManUnited) :

“He is probably the best player of the last 20 years. He is such a slippery player. Because of his height and quickness he is difficult to pin down and his balance is exceptional.”

Manuel Pellegrini (Coach, ManCity) :

”I don’t know the parameters for the Ballon d’Or. I only know that Messi deserves to win every trophy.”

Van Basten (Ex AC Milan) :

“There is no doubt about it, Messi’s clearly the best player in the world. He’s a phenomenon who has already won everything, but is still hungry for more. His humbleness only makes him greater.”

John Terry (Chelsea) :

“My kids love him. Quite clearly for me, he's the best ever. I can end my career saying that I tested myself against the best.”

“He's a great individual, a great person as well, and a credit to the sport. For me, he's got everything. He is magical.”

Vicente Del Bosque (Coach, Spain) :

“Messi or Ronaldo? I prefer Messi because he is more of a street player.”

Zinedine Zidane (Ex France) :

“Messi makes the difference most of the time. In particular, he is always going forwards. He never passes the ball backwards or sideways. He has only one idea, to run towards the goal. So as a football fan, just enjoy the show.”

Filipe Scolari (Ex Coach, Portugal) :

“The only bad thing about Ronaldo’s life is Messi. If it was not for him, Ronaldo would be the best player in the world for five years in a row.”

Robin Dutt (Coach, Bayer Leverkusen) :

“You won’t see anyone else like Messi. People said that Di Stefano, Maradona, and Cruyff were the best when they were playing. And now it is the same for Messi. He is on the throne and it is down to him how long he stays there.”

Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) :

“Ronaldo is good, but I am #TeamMessi all day everyday! Everyone is allowed 1 bad game in 300 right?”

Radamel Falcao (ManUnited) :

“Is Messi a real player or a Play Station character?”

“Messi is the best in the world, he's unbelievable.”

Neymar (Brazil) :

“It is very simple, Messi is the best in the world, and if you give him a little bit of space, he can do whatever he wants.”

Gheorghe Hagi (Ex Madrid-Barcelona) :

“Messi or Cristiano? Cristiano Ronaldo is very good, but I prefer Messi. He’s incredible.”

Joey Barton (Queens Park Rangers) :

“Messi is the best that’s played the game. Streets ahead of Maradona.”

“Messi. 86 goals in calendar year and still 3 games to play! Best to ever play the game in my opinion just edges Maradona.”

Sid Lowe (Editor, Guardian) :

“To compare Lionel Messi to anybody else is unfair on them”

Phil Schoen (BEIN Sports TV Announcer) :

“In my honest opinion, Lionel Messi is the best player I’ve seen play.”

Jorde Valdano (Ex Real Madrid) :

“I believe that we have the first genius of the 21st century, Leo Messi.”

Michael Owen (Ex Liverpool) :

“I can’t believe anyone can have played the game of football as well as Messi.”

Alex Song (West Ham):

“Playing with Messi was like winning the lottery. He's an alien.”

Franz Beckenbauer (Ex Germany) :

“Messi is a genius. He has everything. When I watch him, I see a player who is very very, skilful, very clever and his left foot is like Diego Maradona’s.”

Almunia (Arsenal) :

“Messi is very skilful and can do whatever he wants at any moment. He’s the best player in the world.”

Ronaldo (Ex Brazil) :

“There is no doubt that Messi is the best player in the world.”

Hristo Stoichkov (Ex Barcelona) :

“Once they said they can only stop me with a pistol but today you need a machine gun to stop Messi.”

Romario (Ex Brazil) :

“Messi has all the conditions to be the best.”

“Newton and Einstein had a certain level of autism — I hope that like them, Messi surpasses himself every day and continues to give us his beautiful brand of football.”

Oliver Kahn (Ex Germany) :

“Messi is undoubtedly a gifted footballer, like Maradona and Pele, and he’s playing for the best club side in the world at the moment. He’s successful and he’s winning trophies, so it’s only logical that he’ll be voted the best player in the world.”

Thiago Silva (Brazil) :

“Messi is a special player, certainly the best attacker I’ve played against to date, but I think comparing players from different generations is difficult. All I know is that he’s spectacular and already is definitely among the best ever.”

Michel Platini (President, UEFA) :

“Messi is the great player of this generation, like there were great players in other generations.”

“Don’t know this year or next, but Messi will win 4th Ballon d’Or and surpass Cruyff, Van Basten, and me.”

Pato (Brazil) :

“When Messi plays, he is the best.”

Ander Herrera (ManUnited) :

“I’m not sure Messi is a human.”

Ganso (Brazil) :

“Without doubt he is on another planet, because he does things others can’t.”

Luis Figo (Ex Portugal) :

“For me, to watch Messi play is a pleasure – it’s like having an orgasm – it’s an incredible pleasure.”

“Player I would like to sign for Internazionale? It’s easy, the strongest in Europe at the moment is Lionel Messi, so I would say him. Messi has amazing qualities, he is the best of all, number one. That is unquestiionable.”

Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich) :

“We can give him the ball and we can stand back and watch him. People often say to me they saw Pele and Maradona play. In the future, I will be able to say I saw Messi play.”

Ruud Gullit (Ex Netherlands) :

“He is already the best in the world. He is an exceptional talent. I still think Diego Maradona is the best player I have ever seen, but Messi is closing in fast. He’s a wonderful sight in full flight and we are lucky to have him around.”

Maxi Rodriguez (Ex Liverpool) :

“There is no doubt, you’re from another galaxy. Thanks Leo”

Demba Ba :

“Is Messi a human being?????”

Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona) :

“It’s a joy for all of us to be able to play alongside Messi.”

Gary Lineker (Ex England) :

“Fella’s a genius! Best ever by a distance in my life time! Never really saw Pele. Wait til he grows up! Souness, Gullit, Venables, and now Rooney agree Messi is the best they have seen. He plays a game to which we are not familiar.”

“Messi always makes the right decision, whether it's a pass or a finish - he's a little genius.”

Eden Hazard (Chelsea) :

“For me, Messi is the best in the world - he can make the difference in every game.”

“Is Messi the best player of all times?”

Meneses (Ex Coach, Brazil)

“Messi? We will play against the best in the world.”

Rio Ferdinand (Ex ManUnited) :

“Who were the best players I had ever played against? Raul, Messi, Zidane.”

“Congrats to Messi! Wow, 4 yrs in a row! Added something else to his list of ‘only person to.’ Is Messi Best Of All Time?”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG) :

“Messi is more naturally gifted than Ronaldo. Messi does not need his right foot, though. He only uses the left and he’s still the best in the world! Imagine if he also used his right foot, Then we would have serious problems!”

Rivaldo (Ex Brazil) :

“Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, I go with Messi. For me he is the best in the World.”

Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers) :

“I wear number 10 Jersey for the US National Team in honor of the greatest athlete i have ever seen, Messi.”

“Lionel Messi is simply the best!”

Miguel Angel Lotina (Ex Coach, Deportivo) :

“Comparing CR7 to Messi is an exercise of ignorance in football. Messi is Messi and others, footballers.”

Radomir Antic (Coach, Serbia) :

“Messi is the Mozart of football.”

John Carlin (Journalist, Argentina) :

“Messi is much more than being clever. He is a genius who reserves all his expressiveness for football.”

Mario Balotelli (Liverpool) :

“There’s only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi. All the others are behind me.”

Massimo Moratti (President, Inter Milan) :

“Messi is the only player for whom I would go crazy.”

Antonio Lobo Antunes (Writer, Portugal) :

“There are 3 or 4 important things in life: Books, Friends, Women……and Messi.”

Bar Rafaeli (Model, Israel) :

“At this point I’m starting to believe that Messi is tightly related to Clark Kent.”

*Clark Kent is the Secret Identity of Fictional Character Superman.

Yaya Toure (ManCity) :

“Cristiano Ronaldo has done massive things in both the Premier League and in the Champions League, but Messi is the best though and I am convinced that next year he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

Gerd Muller (Ex Bayern Munich) :

“Technically, Messi is superb. His goals are brilliant. And despite being a genius, he’s not a selfish player.”

“My record stood for 40 years and now the best player in the world has broken it. I’m happy for him. Messi is fantastic. An incredible player, a giant. And such a nice and modest guy. Only one defect: he doesn’t play at Bayern.”

Salomon Kalou (Chelsea) :

“Messi is the best player in the world, no doubts. But we hope that in the games against us, he won’t be the best player.”

Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich) :

“I am not crazy enough to compare myself with Messi because he is the best there ever was and the best there will ever be.”

Terry McDermot (Ex Liverpool) :

“Messi is the best ever. I played in a great LFC team of the late 70s and early 80s which ruled Europe but I must say i think this Barcelona team would batter us.”

Landon Donovan (USA) :

“Lionel Messi, you know what right now? Just call him the best.”

Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan) :

“I think Messi is the best forward in the world. It is very difficult to play against him. But he is not only a forward, he is moving everywhere. He is a very good player.”

Juninho (Brazil) :

“Barcelona are the best team in Europe and for that reason, they are the favourites. In addition, they have the best player in the world today, Lionel Messi.”

Galliani (Vice President Milan) :

“Messi is the best player ever. And this is said by someone who has seen Maradona and Pele play.”

“Messi is the best player of all time. Better than Pele, better than Maradona and better than anyone else.”

Gerry Armstrong (Ex Tottenham) :

“I have played against (Michel) Platini, (Diego) Maradona, (Johan) Cruyff and played with George Best — a lot of big names, but none of them has been able to do what Messi does. Two years ago I said that the best player I played against was Maradona and the best player I have played with was Bestie. But I can now say I have never seen a player as good as Messi. He’s in a league of his own.”

Andy Cole (Ex Manchester United) :

“Regular readers will know I’m a fan of (Cristiano) Ronaldo, and an even bigger fan of the man who’s assumed his mantle with quite astonishing success, Wayne Rooney. But Messi is on a higher plain than even that pair.”

Manzano (Coach, Mallorca) :

“How to stop Messi? You need to bring a shotgun, pam-pam, and that’s it.”

Lotina (Coach, Deportiva La Coruna) :

“For a long time, for many years, I have been saying that he [Messi] is the best I’ve ever seen. For me, he is the most complete player I have ever seen and he is better than Maradona.”

David Beckham (LA Galaxy) :

“Messi is one of the best players I’ve played against and also one of the finest players I’ve ever seen.”

Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham) :

“He told me someone else was coming to dinner and all of sudden Messi walked in. He looked so small so insignificant, and yet to me he was the world’s greatest player. For a moment, I wasn’t even able to speak.”

Billy Beane (American Baseball Player) :

“You know, I’d actually say Lionel Messi. He’s so remarkable, watching him play he’s probably still undervalued. When you’re scoring five goals in one Champions League match, there’s no value that’s too high.”

Pochettino (Ex Argentina) :

“What Messi brings to a team, no other player can bring. Messi can break a match wide open.”

Di Stefano (Ex Real Madrid) :

“I am also amazed with Messi, what he is doing is very good. He contributes a lot of very good things for the team. He is an individualist, but he always plays for the team. He covers well at the back, is organized, and finishes well with both feet. He is mischievous, and is a very intelligent player. He applies pressure just where the pressure is needed.”

Novak Djokovic (Serbian Tennis Player) :

“Messi is the best player on the planet and he keeps on improving at Barça, now the best team in the world. What Messi does on and off the pitch is an inspiration for children who dream of becoming a footballer.”

Sir Bobby Charlton (Ex Manchester United) :

“I think now Messi is probably done more than most players.  But he is in the same class as Alfredo de Stefano, Johan Cruyff, Pelé.  When he finishes and he retires, he will automatically become one of them. A player that people will talk about forever, while the game of football is as good and as popular as it is.  He is a sensational player.”

Van Nistelrooy (ex-Man United) :

“With great respect and admiration, I congratulate Leo Messi & Gerd Muller for their amazing achievements.”

“Messi is on a different level. The fact he is doing what he is year after year says that he is the best of all time.”

Edin Dzeko (Manchester City) :

“Respect Lionel Messi!!!”

Robert Lewandowski (Dortmund) :

“86 Goals in 2012 – Leo Messi magic!”

Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG) :

“Congratulations, Leo Messi!! New record for the best in the world! A big hug”

Alex Morgan (US Women’s NT, Ballon d’Or 2012 Nominee) :

“Messi is out of this world. Scoring 86 goals this year… In 2012. What an incredible accomplishment.”

Pepe Mel (Coach Real Betis) :

“I prefer Messi plays, you want to see the best players on the pitch. But I’m not stupid, he’s the best in the world.”

Sabella (Coach, Argentina) :

“Messi is the best in the world, almost a player from another planet. It’s very difficult to find words for Leo.”

Luis Enrique (Coach, Barcelona) :

“Messi isn’t only the best for his goals but for his assists too. If he wanted to be the best defender around he would be.”

Carlos Bianchi (Ex Coach Velez -Boca -Atletico) :

“Lionel Messi is the best player of all times.”

Javier Hernandez (Real Madrid) :

“Greatest footballer I have ever played with or against? Against Messi”

Toni Schumacher (ex-Koln -Fenerbahce) :

“Football keeps producing icons who shape an era. In my day, it was Maradona and now it’s Messi. He achieves the unbelievable on the field, and all at the highest pace you can imagine.”

Harry Redknapp (Coach, QPR) :

“Lionel Messi is the most amazing player I have ever seen.”

“You couldn’t put a value on him, he’s on another planet. For me, Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the No.1 player in the world.”

Caniggia (ex-Atalanta -Boca) :

“This is the era of Messi, period. He’s very creative, always finds new ways to deal with his opponents.”

Juanlu (Levante) :

“You can only stop Messi if he watches the game from the stands.”

Usain Bolt (Sprinter) :

“Messi or Cristiano – Speed? Cristiano. Shot? Cristiano. Dribbling? Messi. Intelligence? Messi. Talent? Messi. Winner is Messi!”

Pachin (ex-Real Madrid) :

“I love Messi, I think he will break all records. I’m envious he doesn’t play with us, at Madrid.”

Buffon (Juvetus) :

“Messi is a once in a generation player. It’s unlikely that any human being will repeat his numbers.”

Hitzfeld (Ex-Coach Bayern Munich) :

“Messi is, together with Pele, one of the best that ever lived. Breaking Muller’s record was a matter of time.”

Moyes (coach Everton) :

“Messi is the world’s best and gets physically attacked every game, but all he ever does is get up and get on with it.”

Diego Simeone (Coach, Atletico Madrid) :

“Diego (Maradona) has filled us with emotions. But between the cracks, without doubt, Messi is better than Maradona.”

Vitor Baia (ex-Porto) :

“Messi is marking a decade. He’s on his way to become one of the best in history, maybe best ever.”

Mario Jorge Zagallo (Ex Coach, Brazil) :

“Messi is the best player in the world because of what he has done and is doing with Barcelona.”

Sandro Mazzola (European Cup 1964 1965) :

“Messi’s control and technique while going at full speed is unique in the world.”

Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb) :

“Messi deserves it (Ballon d’or) and I’m 100% behind him. He’s the best player of all time and if he stays fit he will continue for the next five or six years. The things he does right now are out of this world.”

Shay Given (Ex Goal Keeper, Ireland) :

“Who do I think will win the FIFA Ballon d’or (2012) in Zurich today? Lionel Messi. Best player ever to grace this planet.”

Alfio Basile (Ex Coach, Boca Juniors) :

“You cannot compare anyone to Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great human footballer, but Messi is a Martian.”

Robbie Fowler (Ex Liverpool) :

“The best player EVER (Leo Messi) without a shadow, if you didn’t think/know already….”

Gary Neville (Ex Man.United) :

“This Guy (Messi) is the Best Player in the World, no doubt about that. I think we’re always nervous about calling people who are currently playing, who are young at 23, to say he’s the Best Player ever. But we shouldn’t be. We should admit what we are seeing in front of our eyes. This is a special talent, who may be is the Best Player ever been seen.”

Vincent Kompany (ManCity) :

“Lionel Messi has to win tonight’s Ballon d’Or. He’s simply the Best. Decision should be unanimous.”

Eric Cantona (Ex Man.United) :

“Messi, he’s exceptional. When you watch him, you feel there’s a child inside him and he is making some childhood dream come true. He’s a Great Player, not only for today but also tomorrow.”

Graeme Souness (Ex Liverpool) :

“Lionel Messi is the Best Player Ever.”

Jürgen Klopp (Coach, Dortmund) :

“Messi is the Best. There must be life out there somewhere, on some other planet. Because he is too good and we are just too bad for him.”

“Cristiano reminds me of German tennis player Michael Stich. He was destined to make history, but then Boris Becker showed up. Cristiano is so fast, so strong, so incredible, but he has one problem: Leo Messi.”

Samuel Eto’o (Ex Barcelona) :

“Messi is God, as a person and even more as a player. I knew him when he was a boy and I’ve watched him grow. He deserves it all. I hope that he can win the World Cup with Argentina. He’s a good boy and I wish him all the best.”

Nicklas Bendtner (Ex Arsenal) :

“The greatest player in the world. He’s got a fantastic vision of the game, and what he can do technically - it’s crazy.”

“The decisive thing for me is not the fact he scores a lot, but how he plays within the team. In that way, he's even better.”

LeBron James (Basketball player, Miami Heats) :

“Messi is the best player in the world. If he’s not already, he’ll be the best footballer of all time.”

Bradley Johnson (Norwich City) :

“Lionel Messi was made in a laboratory, he’s not human.”

Ray Hudson (Commentator) :

“They tell me that all men are equal in God’s eyes, this player (Messi) makes you seriously think about those words. ”

“Watching this goal will give you an eye-gasm. Messi is the thunder at the end of this lightning attack.”

Tito Vilanova (Ex Coach, Barcelona) :

“Messi the best player in the world by far. I don’t think we’ll ever see a player like him again.”

Laurent Blanc (Coach, PSG):

“Everyone knows who Messi is - that's what an exceptional player is made of.”

“He's able to take the ball past three or four and score - he's also able to create chances for his teammates to score.”

Erik Lamela (Tottenham) :

“Leo deserves the Ballon d’Or — he’s the best player in the world. As a person he’s very modest, both on the field and off it.”

Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich) :

“Messi is class. There is him, and then there is the rest. What he does is extraordinary. He demands admiration.”

Diego Alves (Valencia) :

“Messi makes the difference. He does everything so well and manages to do it at such an unstoppable pace.”

Pedro Pinto (Anchor, CNN) :

“Messi is unstoppable and we should feel privileged to be watching a player who may be the best of all time. The best and most exciting footballer on the planet.”

Juan Pablo Varsky (Journalist, La Nación) :

“I saw Maradona play extraordinary matches. I followed his career live, for me Messi is the best of Diego, every single day.”

Niklas Moisander (Ajax) :

“Messi is unbelievable. It is great to get the chance to play against the best in the world. It doesn’t really need repeating: he is a fantastic player.”

Jagoba Arrasate (Coach, Real Sociedad) :

“Leo Messi the best in the world. He has 1. 000 ways of beating you. It’s easy to talk to the players about

stopping Messi, but doing it is much harder. “

David Villa (Atletico Madrid) :

“Messi does incredible things, his stats make you cover your eyes. He cannot be compared to anyone.”

Deco (Ex Barcelona):

“I hope Maradona can forgive me, but I think Messi is even better.”

Federico Fernández (Argentina) :

“Leo Messi is an absolute star - a unique player. I enjoy seeing him play. Thank goodness I don't have to mark him.”

José Mourinho (Coach, Chelsea):

“When I think of how a player should be, I think of Messi. He's a phenomenon.”

Frank Lampard (ManCity) :

“I grew up with Maradona - he was my idol, but I think Messi has taken it to further levels than him.”

“He has everything and is a genius: talent, skill, speed. I love to watch him and he's very difficult to play against.”

And what does Messi think about himself?

 

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

“What I do is play soccer, which is what I like.”

“I never think about the play or visualize anything. I do what comes to me at that moment. Instinct. It has always been that way.”

“The truth is that I don't have a favourite goal. I remember important goals more than I do favourite goals, like goals in the Champions League where I had the opportunity to have scored in both finals I have played in. Finals in the World Cup or Copa del Rey are the ones that have stayed with me for longer or that I remember more.”

“Like I've said many times before, I'm always more likely to remember goals for their importance rather than if they're beautiful or not. Goals scored in finals, for example.”

“Being named among the best at something is special and beautiful. But if there are no titles, nothing is won.”

“Whether it's a friendly match, or for points, or a final, or any game - I play the same. I'm always trying to be my best, first for my team, for myself, for the fans, and to try and win.”

“I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I'm not enjoying it, I will leave football.”

“On a personal note, I think it won't be until after I've retired that I'm fully aware of what I've done or what I've gone on to achieve in my career.”

Truly legend. Goddamnit.

Credit: @MessiQuote, etc.