You think Messi is an unbelievable athlete? Really, like honestly? I would imagine he's not even top 100 in terms of athletism in the world just talking footballers - not even close.
He is quite good at not getting knocked down, but he has an amazing balance and agility coupled with those quick feet of his that always make him able to stand on his feet very well.
I always laugh out loud when Messi is talked about as being the fastest footballer on earth - that just goes to say how much Messi-fanboyism there is. He wouldn't stand a chance in a flat out sprint against Ronaldo, Walcott, blaszczykowski, Valencia, Bale, etc.
And that is partly what bugs me, that Messi fanboys argue that he is the best athlete, the fastest, the strongest (think we'll give that one to Micah Richards, just ask Glen Johnson), etc, which just isn't true. He has the most amazing close control that I've ever seen in a footballer, and he has quick feet, terrific agility, an amazing left foot, but don't pretend he is the ultimate athlete, because he isn't - nor does he have to be.