Fernando Gago Reveals It’s Uneasy to Understand Lionel Messi’s Playing Style

DBasia.news –  Former Lionel Messi colleague in the Argentine national team, Fernando Gago revealed it is not easy for anyone to understand La Pulga’s playing style.

Fernando Gago never defended Barcelona in his career, but instead defended the rival team, Real Madrid in mid 2007/12 and now defends Velez Sarsfield at the age of 34 years old.

But at the international level Gago has played with Messi for 10 years in the Argentine national team from 2007 to 2017. The 61 caps packer understands how Messi played through friendship and the routine of playing for years.

“That (understanding playing with Messi) comes from years of friendship and playing together. I share the same view of the match as it seems,” Gago told Radio Continental.

Messi initially played as a right-wing striker, but as he grew older his playing maturity increased. The winner of six Ballon d’Or no longer only acts as a goal scorer, but also the creator of attacks and often moves to the middle of the game.

Gago believes that if Messi did it in Argentina then it would meant that he was uncomfortable in the front as he was escorted by opponents to have to retreat to the middle of the game.

“I understand that if he stands in the middle of the field, it’s because he feels uncomfortable; he knows that he shouldn’t be given the ball,” Gago added.

“If he stands it is because I have to find space and I need two more passes to allow movement,” explained the player who has also defended AS Roma and Boca Juniors.

Giving every ball to Messi – and hoping he creates a miracle – is also a mistake, as the 32-year-old player is definitely escorted by one to three players. No doubt the accuracy in passing the ball to him is important.

“I always say that we shouldn’t give him the ball all the time. I try to find space for him so he can control the ball and turn around,” added Gago.

“Operands must be 100 percent accurate as there might be three or four people on their side. It’s easy for me to understand,” the Boca Juniors academy player explained.

Playing as a midfielder, Gago’s role was originally to provide the ball to the striker. Gago has good play vision and ability to control the ball in midfield.