Southeast Asian C1 Cup: 'Messi J 2, CAHN 1'

22/08/2025 08:35:00 GameGladiator

Chanathip Songkrasin, also called "Thai Messi" or "Messi J," netted both goals in BG Pathum United’s 2-1 win over CAHN in the opening round of the ASEAN Club Championship 2025/2026. The broadcaster cleverly worded it as: "Chanathip 2, CAHN 1."

Talking about Chanathip Songkrasin, the best Thai player over the last decade is truly a rare talent. The "Thai Messi" is not tall, but his individual skill is superb, and especially, he executes those skills in elite football environments as an automatic reflex. The moment he toyed with Đình Trọng near the sideline was just playful trickery.

A Southeast Asian player who has succeeded in J-League 1 must be on a different level and does not need to prove anything to others. Messi Thai simply plays football and enjoys his profession.

A "cut inside" dribble before shooting to bring the match back to square one. The second goal from around 40 meters to seal the 2-1 victory was a play of the highest caliber. Chanathip’s vision and confidence surpass his small physical size.

BG Pathum United is not the best team in the Thai League over the past 15 years. They are rather an average team in Thailand’s top tier. Meanwhile, CAHN, former V-League champions and current National Cup holders, have gathered many star players.

Chanathip scored both goals to help BG Pathum United overcome CAHN while playing with 10 men against 11. Photo: Sport5

Alan, Leo Arthur, and many other national team players dominated the match, held superior ball possession compared to the hosts, especially after gaining a numerical advantage, but why did they lose?

The difference, even the gap in conquering ability, between Vietnamese and Thai football at both club and national team levels was most evident in the match between BG Pathum United and CAHN. We need much more time to close that gap, let alone catch up or surpass.

In the past 35 years since reintegration, Vietnamese football has faced many disadvantages compared to Thailand. They are the region’s top team and have even set World Cup ambitions. The V-League has spent a lot on Thai foreign players, while Xuân Trường and Đặng Văn Lâm are rare cases moving the other way. Still, even two of Vietnam’s best players remain secondary in their clubs in the Thai Premier League.

In summary, if Vietnamese football keeps having unrealistic hopes about its conquering power and makes unfair, baseless comparisons, it will continue to lag behind Thailand for a long time. Over decades, Vietnam has won only a few matches against Thailand, while the fear of losing comprehensively still lingers! It once seemed close at times but remains distant. Just compare the V-League with the Thai Premier League in terms of investment, appeal, promotion, and professional quality to understand.

Comment (0)