Daniel Passarella vs Lionel Messi
Both Argentina. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Daniel Passarella
Argentina · 1974–1986 · CB
- Rank in Argentina
- #4 of 33
- Caps · Argentina
- 70 · 22 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético River Plate, ACF Fiorentina, Inter Milan
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1978 · FIFA World Cup 1986
When Argentina beat the Netherlands at the Monumental on 25 June 1978, the trophy went into his hands before anyone else's, and he finished a centre-back career with 134 goals in 451 matches. Career record: 70 caps and 22 goals for Argentina; club career at Club Atlético River Plate, ACF Fiorentina, Inter Milan; honours include FIFA World Cup 1978, FIFA World Cup 1986.
Lionel Messi
Argentina · 2005– · RM
- Rank in Argentina
- #2 of 33
- Caps · Argentina
- 207 (as of 5 October 2026) · 125 (as of 5 October 2026) goals
- Clubs
- Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 2022 · 8× Ballon d'Or · UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award (2011, 2015)
Lusail, 18 December 2022: he scored twice in a final that ended 3-3, then buried the first penalty of a shootout Argentina won 4-2. Career record: 207 (as of 5 October 2026) caps and 125 (as of 5 October 2026) goals for Argentina; club career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami; honours include 8× Ballon d'Or, UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award (2011, 2015), FIFA World Cup 2022.
The careers, side by side
Daniel Passarella is editorial rank 4 and Lionel Messi rank 2 in Argentina's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
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