Mascherano: Messi A True Phenomenon (10 Jun 2006 19:22 GMT)
Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed how he has himself discovered the phenomenon that Messi is.
"Messi is a unique player, a true phenomenon," said Mascherano. "I did not know him personally, and the truth is that I can now confirm everything that has been said of him."
"His acceleration, and changes of speed and direction are lethal, which make him very difficult to control," he added. "With the ball, he is a wonder. I don't know if there are many like him in the world."
Argentina start their World Cup against Ivory Coast in Hamburg tomorrow, with a recovering Messi only likely to come on later in the match.
But Mascherano was not worried: "Messi will have a great opportunity during the World Cup. He is going to play a lot, as is Carlos Tevez."
source : Goal.com