Messi and Dhoni: Two different nations, Two different games and one single approach
Lionel Messi has been the name half of the world knows football by. He has been a football prodigy who talent was recognized at a mere age of 13. The great from Barcelona is known for his gifted dribbling skills and his ability to trump the defenders. MS Dhoni is another name who has made name for himself in cricket worldwide. Both of them are the legends of their own game and are known to keep things calm. The two can be named the present day gentlemen of the football and cricket. Here are some amazing similarities between the two legends.
The Humble Start
Both of them come from a very humble background. Interestingly, Dhoni was not associated with cricket and was actually a goalkeeper for his football team and was sent to play cricket for a local cricket club by his football coach. Though he had not played cricket, Dhoni impressed with his wicket-keeping skills and became the regular wicketkeeper at the Commando cricket club (1995–1998
He served in the Indian Railways as a Ticket checker for a brief period of time.
Just like Dhoni, Messi was not born with a silver spoon either. Very few of us know that Messi suffered from growth hormone deficiency that needed expensive medication which his family could not afford. However, Messi's genius was spotted while he was only 13 and the Argentine society funded his medication.
The Cool Temperament
While Dhoni's cool temper is known worldwide and the only thing more consistent than Virat's batting is Dhoni's expressions. Also, Messi is compared with his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo who plays for Real Madrid in certain areas. Where Ronaldo is often accused of going rough on the ground, Messi is the one who often finds himself on the receiving end. However, Messi never loses her cool as well and all he focuses on is his game and that is what makes him stand among the greatest footballers who touched the ball.
The Leaders In The Background
While Dhoni remains at the core of crucial decisions that are made on the field, He is not the one who seeks the limelight. It has been evident in his personality, leading his team CSK to a successful triumph in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, he was found playing with his daughter after while all the other members of the team were busy celebrating.
It is the same case with Lionel Messi who is at the core of Barcelona's game and plan and performance but is always seen standing at the corner in the team's group photos.
Also Read: Messi to follow MS Dhoni's footsteps says, 'I will follow MS Dhoni's approach as a captain'
First published: 31 May 2018, 20:04 IST