Messi is a great example of what can happen if you run through the fouls instead of intentionally falling down. Of course, not many people have his ball skills and I bet his low center of gravity helps him stay upright.

On the other hand, it's a great example of why guys do flop -- refs are too bad to call things as they should.

Awesome video. The compilation he refers to is this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RD9Zc2kwpI. As a Barca fan I remember the very early compilations.

Personally I think that if you grab another player's clothing or impede him with your arms or hands while he has possession, it should be an instant red card.

Seriously, there needs to be a holding rule in Soccer/football. I find it so absurd that they grab each other and hold each other and the refs think it's fair.

hmm... It is widely known that players are now must more protected by rules than 5 years ago. The fouls on Messis would be considered too gentle for Ronaldo (not C. Ronaldo)...

Widely known? I've followed the game for decades and haven't seen this. Messi takes a lot of punishment and rarely flops too.

Yes, very widely known. If you don't think the game was rougher 30 years ago, then you really haven't been watching very closely.