article_snippet: Lionel Messi was at Lionel Messi brilliant, mesmerising best against Manchester City and the knee-jerkers have been out in full force proclaiming Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time.
article_snippet: Lionel Messi (second left) was at Lionel Messi (second left) mesmerising best as Barcelona beat Manchester City on Wednesday .
article_snippet: Lionel Messi (left) takes on Manchester City and England midfielder James Milner in the game at the Nou Camp .
article_snippet: Lionel Messi was repeatedly denied from getting on the scoresheet by City goalkeeper Joe Hart's excellent display .
article_snippet: It was indeed a delight to watch Lionel Messi enjoying Lionel Messi
article_snippet: Barcelona played football from a different planet to the England of which Manchester City are currently champions and Lionel Messi was the principle, be-dazzling reason for that.
article_snippet: But that is not the reason for resisting the temptation to enshrine Lionel Messi as the best ever.
article_snippet: Cristiano Ronaldo has a physicality that appears to emulate Messi when comparing the two best modern day players .
article_snippet: Cristiano Ronaldo, too, is blessed with little Leo’s dexterity on the ball but also brings physical power and serious pace to the argument as to which of these Ballon d’Or winning rivals should be the representative of the modern era occupying the final place this list.
highlights_snippet: Lionel Messi starred as Barcelona beat Manchester City on Wednesday .
  
highlights_snippet: Pundits, managers and players have described Lionel Messi as the best player ever .
  
highlights_snippet: Lionel Messi was magnificent...