article_snippet: The need to anoint Lionel Messi the greatest player there has ever been every time Messi has a good game is becoming rather tedious.
article_snippet: Every time I see Messi play live, it is a privilege.
article_snippet: What saddens me about the relentless championing of Messi, though, is that the idea there has never been anyone to match Messi has become such an aggressive orthodoxy.
article_snippet: It is as though Messi has become a god and the idea that Messi might have a rival is sacrilege.
article_snippet: As a football fan, I worship Messi, too, but I do
article_snippet: pour scorn on you if you stick with Messi.
highlights_snippet: Every time I see Messi play live, it is a privilege .
  
highlights_snippet: What saddens me about the relentless championing of Messi, though, is that the idea there has never been anyone to match Messi has become such an aggressive orthodoxy .
  
highlights_snippet: It is as though Messi has become a god and the idea that Messi might have a rival is sacrilege .
  
highlights_snippet: As a football fan, I worship Messi, too, but I do