Octozone: Best is over for Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi had a magical 2012. The Barcelona superstar, who scored a record-breaking 91 goals in the last calendar year, topped it with a fourth straight Ballon d’Or. But the Argentine can never better these performances again. The best is over for Lionel Messi.

The Argentine has ‘Planet-Z’ in the deepest exaltation in his horoscope making him, arguably, the greatest footballer of his generation. His personal planets are in Taurus and Gemini. While Taurus blesses him with extraordinary stamina and endurance, Gemini is responsible for his dexterity and versatility.

Will he be the greatest player ever? No way! Legendary players who have won laurels for their country had better planetary configurations in their horoscopes, but Messi only has ‘Planet-Z’ exalted. His horoscope ensures he would be one of the most decorated players ever in club football,. He would, however, fall short in international competitions. He will not be able to guide his country to victory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And hence, he cannot be called the ‘Greatest of All Time’. He will never be able to better Brazilian Pele, countryman Maradona or even Spain’s Iker Casillas.

Messi is now going through a tough phase of Saturn, and it will last the end of 2014. This would be a detrimental and excruciatingly painful period for him. He was brilliant in 2012, but couldn’t win a major tournament with his team. Messi will not be able to inspire Barcelona to major title wins in 2013-14 either.

Messi has also had the upper hand in his rivalry — the greatest in modern football — with Portugal and Real Madrid showman Cristiano Ronaldo. But, perhaps, Ronaldo will have the last laugh when they square up in 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

—Lobo is a city-based astrologer. You can reach him on greenstonelobo@gmail.com