1) Indication, not conclusion
2) It's a fact that he isn't, but it's not a fact that he tried to do any of the things you mention. It's a typical negative hypothetical with no argumentative force what you try to say there
3) There is no stat for the aspect we are talking. That's why I relied on eye-test. If there are stats, I usually put the stats forward
4) Passer and playmaker yes (it's the same skill). I mentioned that. It's the only aspect of his game I think hasn't declined.
5) You refused to acknowledge that his dribbling run skill has declined. He can't get past the same number of people at the same speed and at the same time. Simple as that. He himself knows that, that's why he tries so much more these days to either simply retain possession or pass first time.
6) Yes, but that's off-topic. Messi's decline would have happened any way and has nothing to do with how Barca squad was managed
7) Many G/As at the expense of a functional system. I have discussed this extensively in the past. There is a reason why none of his teams past 2019 could be competitive in Europe.
8) You acknowledge something that even a blind man can see, and doesn't affect the core of the narrative you believe. You need more courage than that
Even after yesterday's PSG-RM match, I still can't believe you are still willing to die on this notion that Messi still can't compete in the highest level. Fine, I'll continue this dance with you.
1. No, this is what you concluded with your own words "I make a simple point: watch MEssi tonight against a team that arguably is among current Europe's elite to see his current level". This is not an indication whatsoever.
2. You don't think Busi didn't try to retain possession by not moving? How would you know that he didn't try to do ay of the things that I mentioned? You mentioned that you only seen PSG vs Inter Miami and not the other Miami games.
3. What do you mean there's no stats? I gave you the Sofascore stats, which is more objective than your eye-test. You want another stat? Messi created more big chance vs PSG with an MLS side than Real Madrid's entire squad yesterday.
4 and 5. Passing and playmaking is a a whole different skill lol Dribbling is still good enough, see point #2 to which I also gave you an objective stat of dribbling. Again, you forget the point again that he was injured throughout the tournament, so this is why we are going in circles for this.
6. Sure, decline in acceleration happened which is only natural. It's the board's job to make sure all weaknesses for all players are covered to the best possible way and the board failed miserably on that. This relates to point number 7.
8. Because nothing else has declined? Courage has nothing to do with it. I'm going with eye-test, stats, general consensus, watching games week in and week out.
