Roberto Carlos was a little unconvinced.
"I didn't pay attention in the first half. In the second half, I'll put some pressure on him—his small frame won't be able to handle it!"
The next Maradona?
So what?
How many players have been called "the next Maradona"?
And how many of them ever lived up to it?
Besides, if nothing unexpected happens, Luxemburgo should soon bring in Brazil's super prodigy.
That kid isn't just a fan of Roberto Carlos—he's already being called "the next Pelé" in Brazil.
Two kings of football. Who's afraid of who?
Maradona may have come first, but Pelé was already the benchmark!
Even Argentine fans can't deny that fact.
Su Hang overheard the conversation and realized Carlos wasn't taking Messi seriously.
He reminded him:
"Messi's strength isn't just in his control, dribbling, or rhythm. His core strength is excellent too. If you're going to play physical, watch out for his sudden changes of direction."
Carlos nodded slightly.
But whether he really listened was another matter.
After all, no matter how shaky his defense might be, he was still a defender.
And what business did a forward have lecturing a defender?
Does Su Hang really think he's the team's leader?
Even if he is, you can't tell specialists how to do their job.
The second half kicked off.
In the 48th minute, Eto'o showed his trademark aggression, winning the ball high up the pitch.
He quickly slipped it to Messi.
Messi received the pass and immediately began to sway with the ball glued to his feet.
Carlos had wanted to use his body, but he couldn't even get close.
Because the moment he stepped in, Messi could push the ball past him and burst away.
That's the thing about attack and defense.
Attackers hold the initiative.
Defenders only need to break the play, which is simpler.
Both have their edge—it's about how you use it.
Messi's dribbling took the initiative to the extreme.
Every feint looked like the start of a sprint, forcing defenders back.
You could only react—you couldn't press him.
Just as Carlos steadied himself and swore he would stop Messi, Messi suddenly accelerated, then cut sharply—beating him again.
Messi drove inside.
From the right edge of the box, he curled a shot.
The ball flew past Samuel toward the far corner.
Casillas was beaten.
But the post saved Real Madrid, deflecting the ball wide.
Messi covered his face in frustration.
But his display had already silenced the Bernabéu.
The last player to do that here was… Su Hang.
And the last non-Madrid player was Ronaldinho.
In the 60th minute, Ronaldinho unleashed a thunderous strike from distance.
Casillas produced a brilliant save.
Eto'o pounced on the rebound, but under Helguera's pressure and from a poor angle, he blasted it into the stands.
Barcelona's pressure was mounting.
In the 73rd minute, Ronaldinho danced through Raúl Bravo and Gravesen in midfield—the football magician weaving his spell again at the Bernabéu.
Helguera was forced to step out, and Ronaldinho slid a pass across.
Messi cut inside, received the ball, spun past Carlos with a flash of skill, and surged into the box.
Carlos chased desperately, fueled by anger, and barged into him.
But Messi suddenly pushed the ball to the right, his leg tangling with Carlos's outstretched one as he fell.
The whistle blew.
Carlos got up, ready to argue, but froze when he saw the referee's signal.
"Penalty!"
"The referee has awarded a penalty kick!"
"Carlos tripped Messi—spot-on decision!"
"The crowd erupts in boos, convinced Messi dived!"
Carlos raged at the referee.
"Yellow card! The referee books Carlos!"
Samuel quickly dragged him away before things escalated as players from both sides rushed in.
"Based on this match, Messi has completely dominated Carlos, who hasn't been able to stop him at all!"
"He created the earlier assist, and now this penalty—it's all Messi!"
"This kid's talent is overwhelming. No wonder the Catalan media praise him so highly. Anyone watching can feel it!"
Tempers flared as players clashed.
Messi stepped aside while Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Márquez, and Puyol shielded him, confronting Madrid's players.
"In sharp contrast to Messi is Real Madrid's academy jewel—Prince Su Hang. Watch his goals and you'll fall in love. But watch him when he doesn't score, and you'll wonder how he even made the squad."
If Messi's talent is plain to see, Su Hang's is much harder to spot. Yet his numbers are remarkable—he always finds a way to score, as shown by four consecutive matches with two goals each.
"Oh! Puyol just shoved Raúl, who was trying to calm things down!"
"Su Hang's rushed in! He's clashing with Puyol!"
"The tension explodes! These two rivals are at it again!"
"But neither throws the first punch—they both know the consequences."
"And here's the second big difference between Messi and Su Hang. Beyond talent, their paths are opposite."
"Messi is the weapon—his team's sharpest edge, given special status, but without influence off the pitch."
"Su Hang, however, is the leader. He doesn't demand special treatment; in fact, he often sacrifices his own interests for team harmony. But in return, he gains real authority."
"It's said Su Hang once suggested abandoning the league to focus fully on the Champions League. The squad voted unanimously in favor—but the coaches and management vetoed it."
"When the story leaked, it hit his reputation hard. His approval among fans dropped by over 30%!"
"Even so, that incident showed his true status at Real Madrid."
"The Crown Prince of Madrid—without question."
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser