Thierry Henry has revealed how Lionel Messi manages to cleverly distract opponents as the Argentine continues to perform at the highest level for Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 17 matches this season, and has been putting in some excellent performances for PSG after a disappointing first campaign at the club. He is currently the most efficient player in his position in Europe and is in the best form since he made his move to PSG from Barcelona last summer.
The 35-year-old struck over 650 times for the Catalan giants during his 21-year stay at the club, becoming one of the best players of all time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi won 27 major trophies, including three Champions Leagues and a host of other individual honours, winning the Ballon d'Or on seven occasions.
Henry played with Messi for a short while at Barcelona and the Frenchman was in awe of his team-mate during their time together. The former Arsenal man has revealed the secret to Messi's success and how he manages to bamboozle defenders on a regular basis.
"Most defenders get confused because Messi always seems less interested at the start of games and then he changes the pace," Henry told El Futbolero US. "I've played with him a couple of years, and this season, Messi is in frightening form."
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Messi is well-known for his excellent dribbling and passing ability, although his low centre of gravity and strength sometimes goes under the radar. It is a skill that often allows him to grow into matches which often sees him find his feet in the second half. Once Messi is at the top of the game, he is very difficult to the top.
With Messi heading into the twilight of his career, there has been lots of speculation over his future in recent days. The Argentine superstar has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Miami with co-owner David Beckham extremely keen to bring the forward to the MLS.
He has just under eight months left on his current deal at PSG and could be free to leave the club next summer. Barcelona are hoping to re-sign Messi - just over a year after he left - while a number of top European sides could be in the race to sign the player.
It is understood that Messi plans to hold further talks with Beckham's Miami after reportedly 'ignoring phone calls' from Barcelona. A report in The Athletic details how multiple talks have already taken place with Miami and Messi's father, Jorge over a possible move for Messi to the States.
