Wondering who the best soccer player of all time is? While many fans point to Lionel Messi, other legends also make compelling cases. Here’s why Messi might just stand above them all.
That “Messi is the greatest or best soccer player of all time” is a legitimate claim that plenty of fans or players, more recently Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, either affirm or endorse. And still, to be reasonable and unbiased, though, this claim is up for debate. Plenty of players have dazzled the soccer world with their unique skill sets and historic achievements, and some of them have been just as dazzling as Messi himself. Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Pelé, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ronaldo Nazário, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all have legitimate claims to the top ranks. But none of these legends hold the title of Greatest of All Time quite like Lionel Messi.
But Messi’s combination of titles, consistency, skill, and impact on and off the pitch make him arguably the most complete player ever.
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, shares why he believes Messi is the greatest football player of all time in his opinion. pic.twitter.com/ENGXPszyQy
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 21, 2024
For the sake of our argument, we’re only talking about soccer players who have competed in professional leagues in men’s soccer. So, players like Martha, Alex Morgan, or Mia Hamm are not part of our reasoning here. So, here’s why Messi rises above the rest.
Who is the best soccer player of all time, according to experts and fans?
The best soccer player of all time is Lionel Messi.
The Qatar World Cup marked the closing of the circle for Messi, as he finally achieved everything possible at both club and national team levels. In that 2022 World Cup final, Messi didn’t score only once, but twice: once in extra time, and converted his penalty in the shootout. With 57 individual titles to his name, he’s the most awarded player in soccer history. His most recent honors include the 2023 Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Men's Player award. He’s also a historic figure for Argentina’s national team: he won the Copa América in 2021, the Qatar World Cup in 2022, the 2022 Finalissima, and the Copa América in 2024.
Source: FIFA
In total, Messi has won 45 official team titles: 35 with FC Barcelona, three with PSG, one with Inter Miami, three with the Argentine national team, one with the Argentina U-20 team, and another with the U-23 team. He holds the lead for the most Ballon d'Or awards and European Golden Boots. In both categories, he surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo by two.
In the 2011–12 season, he scored a total of 91 goals in professional games in that calendar year, the most ever, recognized by Guinness World Records. Even to this day, not even top scorers, like Haaland, have approached this milestone. At the same time he became a world champion, he set the record for the most World Cup games played, and was the first Argentine to play in five World Cups.
Messi also holds countless international records: he has the most combined goals and assists in World Cups (13 goals, 8 assists), is the only player to win two World Cup Golden Balls (2014, 2022), and has been named Man of the Match in 14 World Cup games. With over 100 international records, his achievements are unparalleled.
Messi is a well-rounded player and a great teammate
Messi’s talent extends far beyond goal-scoring: He is one of the most complete players in soccer history. He’s, simultaneously, a terrific score, a creative playmaker, a deft finisher, and a brilliant dribbler.
To add to that, he is the most successful dribbler in World Cup and UEFA Champions League history. From long-range shots to free kicks, he’s been capable of scoring with his weaker right foot, his head, and even his chest.
As of November 2024, Messi has scored an impressive 849 goals (737 for his clubs and 112 for Argentina) and contributed 378 assists (321 for clubs and 57 for Argentina). This means he was directly involved in 1,227 goals. He holds the record for most assists in La Liga and the Argentina team’s history.
Consistency across two decades
While many players have shone brightly but briefly, Messi’s consistency over 20 years is outstanding. Maradona, for example, had flashes of genius but struggled with off-field issues that cut his career short. Ronaldo Nazario might be a great goalscorer and dribbler, but in terms of assists and passes he falls short, at least compared to Messi. And this is understandable: Ronaldo Nazario was a deft striker, and players are not expected to do just about everything on the pitch.
Messi, on the other hand, has maintained all-round peak performance across different clubs, leagues, and international competitions. He has scored in 21 consecutive seasons, since 2004 until today. His ability to adapt and reinvent himself has kept him relevant and competitive across two decades, a tough task that few players have managed.
Other than that, Messi has been decisive in high-stakes matches. Time and again, he has delivered when it matters most, against the toughest rivals and in the most critical games. His role in Argentina’s World Cup-winning run is proof of his ability to carry a team under intense pressure. This kind of influence is rare, and his performances in finals and other big matches further reinforce his legacy as the greatest. In 20 Argentina games across 2022 and 2023, he scored 26 goals, while scoring or assisting in every knockout stage game of the Qatar World Cup.
Off-the-pitch contributions: Messi’s lasting impact
The debate about the best player of all time often focuses on accomplishments on the field, but there’s another side to Messi’s greatness—his contributions off the pitch. Messi is not only a hero on the field; he’s also made significant efforts to give back.
Source: Leo Messi Foundation
Through various charitable foundations, such as the Leo Messi Foundation or his role as a UNICEF ambassador, he has helped support children’s health and education initiatives worldwide. Most recently, his collaboration with Join The Planet has drawn attention to environmental issues. Messi's philanthropic efforts set him apart and add to his athletic success.
The Leo Messi collectible boot: Buy a souvenir from the best
Lionel Messi’s career is the ultimate example of what it means to be the best. From his titles and consistency to his off-the-field contributions, Messi has set a new standard for greatness. So why not join his efforts for a greener planet?
The Join The Planet Leo Messi collectible boot celebrates Messi’s legacy. It’s an item that marks both his legendary influence on soccer and his commitment to making a positive global change. Made from recyclable materials and dedicated to environmental causes, this collectible offers fans a unique piece that embodies Messi’s impact on the game and his behind-the-scenes dedication to making a difference. Each collectible boot comes with a digital certificate of authenticity, an official replica of Messi’s signature, and a sleek acrylic display case.
Buy the official Leo Messi collectible boot now.