Pointed Discussion

This card can be good late game, but i don't think its fast enough for early game elves. four mana is a bit to much in my books for a card in a elf deck.

You could drop this turn 2 or 3 in a good elf deck. Llanowar elf, priest of titania, Gaea's cradle, elvish archdruid, fyndlehorn elf, are in just about any competetive elf deck since they were printed. Messenger brings a trampling body, and usually nets you at least 2 more elves, many times 3, sometimes 4!

Flavorwise, I cannot help but wonder why this creature has trample? Sure he's riding some beast, but shouldn't that be reflected in higher P/T values?

i can't imagine an elf deck not having this card. i can always play this guy 3rd turn, and for me its basically a draw four cads. but even for those few times where i end up drawing land at least those lands aren't there any more

It actually would've been cool if they had printed this card as "Confused Goblin Ringleader."

The only elves that will get this into play on turn 2 are Elvish Pioneer and Heritage Druid, or Elvish Spirit Guide. Otherwise, you need some sort of Mox , Lotus, or off color Ritual.