Thank you Cristiano! You have made a better Lionel Messi

On January 12, sat in the Congress Palace of Zurich, Lionel Messi took a decision. After hearing the stupid screech Cristiano Ronaldo launched into after winning his third Ballon d'Or, the Barcelona "crack" said "enough". "I want to become one of the greatest players of all time,"explained Ronaldo, just forgetting to add: "I hope to reach Messi."

At this moment, Messi sealed his grand objective: to return to be No 1. He put aside his differences with Luis Enrique, he forgot about his problems - physical, psychological and personal - which had affected him during the past year, and took on the challenge of reinvigorating Barcelona. Because Messi knew, and knows, that when Barcelona wins, Messi wins too. Today, after being the star man in the league and cup triumphs, he is going for the Champions League. He wants the treble. And his fifth Ballon d'Or. 

For too mnay months, Messi had to bear many questions, both from Madrid and Barcelona. People started to say and write that he was finished. And that the time had arrived where he should be sold. He was being accosted by the Hacienda and by enemies of Barcelona, sinking in sadness. Until the provocative call of Cristiano Ronaldo made him react. 

Now nobody doubts that he is the best footballer in the world, and possibly history. And not just for the goal (brutal, spectacular, magic, unutterable) that he scored against Athletic in the Copa del Rey final. For everything that he has done since January 12. And for everything that remains to be done. Because Messi wants to win the Champions League on Saturday in Berlin. He has been determined to win. And he will.