Here are some real things that have been said about Lionel Messi:
"It is clear that Messi is on a level above all others. Those who do not see that are blind." - Xavi
"They tell me that all men are equal in God’s eyes, this player makes you seriously think about those words." - Football commentator Ray Hudson
"Messi is the best in the world without any doubt and for me the history of football," Luis Enrique.
"For me, to watch Messi play is a pleasure – it’s like having an orgasm – it’s an incredible pleasure." - Luis Figo
Messi should be in one of those "Most Interesing Man in the World" memes with the caption "I don't always lose matches, but when I do I score goals and reach important milestones."
The caption needs work, but that's what happened. Barcelona have lost three games in a row for the first time since 2003, and the players clearly have no ideas on how to handle that, except for Leo. He's just doing what he has always done: score goals. Five hundred of them, in fact.
IT'S THERE! 500th goal for Leo Messi. Take A Bow! #LaLiga #FCBvVAL https://t.co/kptzAPj4jS
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 17, 2016
What a moment, except for, you know, they lost to Valencia and are now dangerously close to not winning La Liga (in addition to being knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid). Both of their main rivals in Madrid could win the La Liga-Champions League double, and Barcelona are out.
You can't always choose when you score inportant goals, but we're sure Messi wishes it had come along at a better moment than this.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus