Shh - The kid's got talent

So another one of my paragraphs about football. This time however its not about the game itself or its popularity. Its about this precociously talented teenager - Messi. Yes he maybe once again dubbed the new Maradona after Saviola, Ortega, Aimar, Riquelme etc. and yes the players above were far from El Diego. But something tells me - Messi might yet be the closest. Back from injury and hungrier than ever.

When I watched the game - there was nothing special from Messi. He was all over the pitch -defending, attacking, running at defenders, dropping his shoulder, turning, dribbling. So okay, all his performances are special compared to other players, but when I say it was nothing special I mean that in comparison to his own past performances. It was the typical Messi on the right side of the pitch. He created opportunities, combined fantastically with the sublime Ronaldinho and created chances. But this game was different. It was the El Clasico - and Messi's a teenager.

His first goal was taken calmly as he burst into the penalty area and coolly slotted past Casillas. His second goal - smashed into the roof of the net, only demonstrated his poacher instinct. His final third in the 90th minute to earn Barca the draw was immaculate to say the least. He picked up Ronaldinho's pass which was meant for Gudjohnsen, skipped past 2 Real Madrid defenders - leaving them for dead, and put the ball behind Iker Casillas. His calmness and poise intertwined with his speed, close ball control and skill was astonishing. Fantastic finishing to the game - which saw the youngest Barca player get a hat-trick. At 19 he has carved his way into the El Clasico history books along side Cryuff, Maradona, Lineker, Di Stefano, Ronaldinho to name a few. Yes its far too early, to say what he might turn into in the future. But for my money, it doesn't get any better than this.

Yes, there have been better performances by Messi, but what makes this special - is that he has just added another dimension to his game - a little away from his dribbling, beating defenders and creating chances. He's turning into a goal scorer as well. Scary, indeed.

Ronaldinho a Brazilian himself hailed Messi as the most sublime talent in Barca. Well, Ronaldinho might be a little humble about his own talents - but nonetheless that is some lavish praise .

Without further delay - enjoy: Highlights of probably the greatest derby on the planet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrFoDFb90SU