The Curious Case of Lionel Messi: Is Inconsistency Really His Problem?

Nowadays, there is very little argument as to why Lionel Messi is the greatest attacker in modern football. With even former World Player of the Year, Kaka, recently joining his interminable list of admirers, the fun-sized Rosario native easily has one of the largest fan bases in the game, and for reasons that are more than justifiable; after last year's dazzling campaign with Barcelona, who can still doubt that the Argentine's fiery pace, electrifying dribbling ability, stupefying passes, and cool finishing combine to make him one of the most dangerous men in world soccer? Yet, on the international stage, Messi still has more than a lot to prove. But, why? How can a player who knocked in 38 goals, with 18 assists, in 51 appearances for Barcelona last season have only 12 goals in forty for the Argentine national team? Who can fathom that a man who destroys La Liga defenses every weekend looks a mere shell of himself when playing relatively weaker national sides, rarely even...