ETIQUETTE

The very best at what they do almost always struggle with the concept of humility. This is most noticeable in the sporting world and of course it includes the best shots. Last night I watched Barcelona put Bayern Leverkusen to the sword in the Champions League (7-1 in the Champions League) and I felt privileged to see not only one of the most complete team performances of all time but also one of the greatest displays of individual talent ever to grace a pitch. It was not just the way Messi played, or the fact that he scored 5 times in a Champions league match (the only man ever to do so). It was the way he conducted himself throughout the game. He never rolled or dived; he played one touch football with his midfield all night and when he scored there wasn't a hint of running to the adoring fans, or worse still a pre-rehearsed goal celebration, he simply turned to his team mates who had set him up, smiled and pointed at them as if to thank them for allowing him to shine so brightly. The match was followed by an in-depth look at Messi's career up to now (he's still only 24) and what was noticeable is even off the pitch the humility stays with him. Accepting all his 3 Balon D'Or awards for best player of the year first and foremost he thanked his teammates - sincerely - seemingly embarrassed to be singled out.

One of the best game shots I have ever seen, who is a gentlemen if you met him in the street, has a malevolent streak when you put a gun in his hand. Somehow he can't help himself but take the piss out of those less practiced, and accomplished than himself. Now a bit of banter is a good thing - but this is barbed and unrelenting and I cannot fathom where it comes from. I wonder if he watched the match last night? I have thought about asking him to share a hide with me as decent game shots, so used to shooting everything overhead, often struggle in a hide, and it may be a valuable lesson, but that just wouldn't be Messi, would it?