Around a month ago, some Barca fans were chest-thumping on this platform, saying that if Messi acted like Ronaldo and constantly proclaimed himself the best, there would be no debate. Maybe there wouldn't be, but we would've lost so much in the process. Look at him. He represents something far bigger than football itself. The respect I have for him as a person is worth more to me than even my admiration for his football. With most footballers, you admire their ability and that's where it ends. With Messi, you admire the person so much that you find yourself wanting to emulate his character. That's what makes him truly special.