Cruyff or Messi

Hours before the next match against Ajax, one of the most storied club in Europe’s history, two Barcelona legends are fighting in terms of their legend and legacy.

One of the two man is important in the history of both teams, former star Johan Cruyff, being a legend in both Camp Nou and Amsterdam Arena, either as a player or as a coach.

Current Barcelona star is without a doubt Lione Messi, who is just two goals away from becoming the record goalscorer in La Liga’s history with just 27 years. Messi’s legacy is a work in progress and his impact is comparable to the club’s greatest figure.

Barcelona signed in 1973 a record breaking fee to sign Johan Cruyff, to attempt to break the 13 years without a title and get out of Real Madrid shadow. The player immediately inspired his team and leading it to the championship after a 5-0 victory against Real Madrid.

During his five years as a player for Barcelona, he picked up two Ballons d’Or and also captured the hearts of every Barcelona fan.

It was Cruyff that started La Masia as a football academy, housing and training youngsters in the club mentality, and it was there where Messi gifts grow under Barcelona supervision and growing as a player.

As a coach, Cruyff and the so called “Dream Team” won for La Liga titles in a row and a European Cup, creating a mystique with his style of play.

As a player there is no discusion, with an endless list of records and trophies with his team or as an individual will probably never be bettered, shadowing all other players.

But Cruyff dreams and visions where the ones that market the history and success of Barcelona and allowed Messi to develop into the force of nature that he is now.

In a simple summary, Cruyff is an icon, and Messi is the idol.