After being awarded the Ballon d’Or title, this weekend was all about Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou stadium. The 28 year old argentine striker presented his fifth ballon d’Or trophy to the on looking fans, players and coaching staff.
At the award ceremony it was to be Messi’s night with him gaining 41.33% of the vote, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with 27.76% and fellow Barcelona team mate Neymar Jr coming third with 7.86%. Messi’s victory means that between them, Messi and Ronaldo have won the award over the past eight years.
Here’s why Messi won the most prestigious football award for 2015:
- 61 games, 52 goals and 26 assists.
- A goal every 101 minutes and an assist every 202 minutes
- Best minutes-per-goal rate
- Directly involved in 49 goals in La Liga – 34 scored and 15 assists – which was the joint most with Ronaldo in 2015 across the top five European leagues.
- Scored in all six club tournaments in 2015, as Barcelona won five of them.
The delights of his footballing prowess have once again been awarded; recognising his talent and ability to outclass his opposition. However, with the award comes the responsibility of being the best. As the best player in the world, Lionel Messi has the added responsibility (like many famous footballers) to set a good example to those who look up to him. Setting an example to live by is not an easy task and many fall short of their potential to honour God. Here’s what the bible say’s about being an example to others:
‘Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach.’ – Titus 2:7 (CEV)
‘Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your father in heaven.’ – Matthew 5:16 (CEV)
Many of us look up to footballers. They are our heroes; at times we think they have the lifestyles we’d like for ourselves. Unfortunately, far too often footballers lose sight of their purpose and fall away from the good and positive influence they can provide society. Something John warns us to about when he says:
‘Dear friend, don’t copy the evil deeds of others! Follow the example of people who do kind deeds. They are God’s children, but those who are always doing evil have never seen God.’ – 3 John 1:11 (CEV)
I urge you to remember in your prayers footballers like Lionel Messi, who although may feel a million miles away, does have a huge influence over many who look up to him. Pray that he may set an example that honours God and all that is good.
