Gabriel Batistuta vs Lionel Messi
Both Argentina. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Gabriel Batistuta
Argentina · 1991–2002 · ST
- Rank in Argentina
- #7 of 33
- Caps · Argentina
- 78 · 56 goals
- Clubs
- ACF Fiorentina, AS Roma, Al-Arabi SC
Relegation to Serie B in 1993 was the moment other strikers would have left Fiorentina, and he stayed, scored them back up in one season and finished as the club's leading Serie A scorer with 151 goals. Career record: 78 caps and 56 goals for Argentina; club career at ACF Fiorentina, AS Roma, Al-Arabi SC.
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
Gabriel Batistuta is editorial rank 7 and Lionel Messi rank 2 in Argentina's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
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