Come-on, Messi has class of its own. He has great speed and shooting skills. If you would have seen yesterday's match, you will know what I am talking about.
I agree with RSM. Messi is more of a play maker rather than a goal scorer. And that is what makes him valuable to the team. That's why he is internationally successful too. Both of yesterdays goals were a result of his moves. That's why is he the pet of his coach He is a clean player (I have not seen him committing fouls as other do) with tremendous dribbling and ball handling capabilities which makes him dangerous.
You don have to be physically intimidating to commit a foul buddy , just a small trip or push will fetch you a card. And moreover you will not get booked for only a foul! Arguing , intimidating and deliberate falling to cheat refree's will also attract a card!