The defenders converge on Messi as he runs toward goal, but their efforts are futile.  The defenders’ quick feet move to tackle the ball, but Messi’s feet are quicker, and with a dozen slight but perfectly timed touches at speed he threads cleanly through the defensive thicket until there is only an open net before him.  Another stunning Messi goal for Barcelona.

It is hard not to like Lionel Messi if you like beautiful, attacking soccer.  Messi and Barcelona at their best are breath taking to watch, committed to a style and level of creative, attacking soccer that is not surpassed.

We have Manchester United & San Jose Earthquakes jerseys already in our house, but there was no way I could refuse a chance to have a Messi jersey, even if we’re cheering for another team.  SoccerPro.com was an enthused supplier, and we were excited to open the package. How good is this jersey?  The real deal is what’s required for an enthusiast.  So we tried out the Nike Barcelona Long Sleeve Home Jersey.

THE JERSEY

SoccerPro was confident their jersey would meet our satisfaction, and it is easy to see why.  The colors of the Barcelona jersey are much more vibrant in person than on TV.  The crest and badges all seem as correct as the jersey Messi wears and the details were impeccable, such as the faint Barca logos sublimated in the number 10 on the back.  This jersey is bonafide.  Not only could we find no flaw, we felt like we were learning more about Barca just by examining the jersey

This feels like a revered kit that should be hanging in the Barca locker room ready for Messi to suit up and take the pitch for the Champions League final.  A thing like this can really capture one’s imagination.  We got excited, so I had a young man put on his cleats take the jersey for a spin. The jersey is featured in the video above.

SoccerPro.com carries soccer uniforms from a variety club and national teams, and based on the quality of the jersey we received, we would have no reservations about ordering a jersey from them. 

 
Now if we can just get a chance to “test” this jersey out at Camp Nou.  Anyone willing to talk to Pep Guardiola on our behalf?