In the same week where the Catholic Church appointed an Argentine as its newest Pope, another exulted figure from the South American nation was doing the business on the football pitch.
Lionel Messi, the Barcelona maestro, produced two moments of magic as the Catalan giants came from a two-goal deficit to overrun AC Milan 4-2 on aggregate in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg.
What Messi has been able to achieve from an individual viewpoint in the past few years is something to behold, some may say God-like, and his footballing peers feel exactly the same.
Below are tributes to the great Messi who almost singlehandedly lifted the Blaugrana from a potential premature exit to restoring their favouritism for Europe's premier club competition.
First off, it was Vancouver Whitecaps captain and former Watford star Jay DeMerit:
He can still play for 10 more years!!! Imagine what we will witness.. #Messi#Greatest — Jay DeMerit (@D6MERIT) March 12, 2013
Norwich City loanee Kei Kamara added:
I love watching #MessiFC play. The best in the world. — KEI KAMARA (@keikamara) March 12, 2013
Former Barcelona star Gary Lineker basically shook his head in disbelief before sharing his views on the ongoing Messi v Maradona debate
Lionel Messi Is so utterly brilliant it is beyond belief. — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 12, 2013
I saw a lot of Maradona and played against him. Wonderful though he was, Messi is better and so much more consistent. — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 12, 2013
Difference between Messi and Maradona; Lionel not only has the genius of Diego but is also as prolific a goalscorer as we have ever seen. — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2013
Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham youngster Rohan Ricketts felt he may have been annoying his neighbours
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooool I think I'm going t get evicted today. Who gives a @#&k Vaaaaamos Barcelona. Messi you ledge!
— Rohan Ricketts (@RohanRicketts) March 12, 2013
Everton midfielder Darron Gibson was efficient with his adulation for the great man.
Messi again #pureclass — Darron Gibson (@D_gibson4) March 12, 2013
Whilst Joseph 'Joey' Barton took a philosophical approach:
Some player this Messi fella. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 12, 2013
Before bringing back the banter .
Not in my league obviously but still a good player... #messi — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 12, 2013
Later on in the week, the Marseille midfielder reverted back to his renowned wit regarding the appointment of not Messi but Pope Francis in the Vatican City.
Decided not to apply for Pope job this time round. Got loads on my plate at the minute. Maybe, next time. Congratulations to Pope Francis x — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) March 13, 2013
