With two remarkable free kick goals, Messi contributed significantly to Barcelona's victory over Sevilla and claiming the UEFA Super Cup. With characteristic modesty, he said after the game, "I've just been lucky enough to score those goals." He didn't say those goals required talent and hard work.
It is widely known that there are two ways of stopping Argentine Lionel Messi, arguably the best soccer player in the world: Either put a German tank in front of him or hit him repeatedly on his legs. The first option is not allowed on the soccer pitch, while the second has been tried by players from all teams facing off against Barcelona.
I once jokingly asked a friend: "If you are inside a spaceship looking at a soccer field, how do you know which one is Messi among all the players?" To my surprise he quickly responded, "He's the one most surrounded by the opposing players."