I thought Messi was already a fairly established international player? He looked good in limited time in the 06 cup. 4 years later, he's pretty dominant. As an Italian-American, first generation at least, it's really hard to say -- but he might be better than Pirlo, maybe even Pirlo in his prime.
Established as pro player, not as part of the national selection. I guess I should not have used the world international.
I must have had a different seat in watching the nigeria red card unfold. The greek player clearly used the ball to push the nigerian away. The nigerian player should not have reacted with a push and a half kick (that did not even come close to connecting) but I guess the rules are clear in such a situation. I agree with the commentator though, I wish the ref would show patience in such a situation and realize it really was not that bad and is somewhat of a quick decision/reaction.
International soccer has a lower threshold for that sort of thing than most American sports do. There's a lot of emphasis on sportsmanship (irony: diving). Basically, you just can't react violently to another guy.
Look at Zidane getting sent off in the '06 final. He ended his career on a bonehead (ha!) move. If they're going to send a guy off in his last international match, the most important match of the most important tournament, every other player has to be on notice.
I fully support it, just like I did when Francesco Totti was tossed in Euro 2004 for spitting on a guy.
Yes it does have a lower threshold and lol at the irony of diving. However, Zidane's boneheaded moved is on a whole different level here. Moreover, he reacted to verbal taunting rather than a push.
Even with 10 men, I think Nigeria should have won today.