I know WC is still important for many, but all these international sports gathering is fading away. WC and Olympic games were much more important to people and even to politicians before than now. Pre and post world war II was the most important time for pride and nationality as Nationalism was the hot topic specially among Europeans. The Cold War kept that hot issue in Olympic games from 50s through 70s as well. Unfortunately they are fading away and its mostly because of how the globe changes since a centuery ago. Most of us here live in western world. How many different race and different people from all over the world u guys see everyday?
Nationalism has became more of radicals than norms. When Italy have Balotelli in Azzuri and half of Germany team are polish or Turks, you clearly see whats happening. Also club competition has grown as industry to something huge. Just look at how much EPL is making money compare to twenty years ago.
We cant deny how importnat WC was during Meazza, Puskas or Pele and even in 80s but the importance is fading away and Club competition is replacing it. It might be sad but its the reality.
Dear byebyenow:
Let me first summarize what we seem to agree about:
1. Messi has been the greatest club level player for the last three years,
2. Messi did not perform well at the WC
You then make 4 assertions:
1. Olympics are not as important as they once were
2. WC is not as important as it once was
3. Messi did not perform well because his teammates were not as good as some of the other greatest of all times
4. Messi did not perform well because his coach wasn't any good
My response was as follows:
1. Olympics are irrelevant to this disucssion.
2. I disagree, ask any of the Spanish Read Madrid or Barcelona players what their biggest achievement is, and I bet most will say winning the WC. Also the number of people watching the WC final around the world is higher than any club level game
3. I disagree, messi's team mates were better than Zidane's in 98, or Platini's in 82 or Uzebio's in 66
4. Perhaps his coach was not great, but this is when the greatest players show up. If an ignorant person like me had coached France in 98, perhaps they would not have won the WC, but I will bet you even my incompetence could not have stopped Zidane from shining.
In any case, I predict Messi will have a great next WC, and he willl be mentioned about the greatest of all time. Today he simply cannot be