Javier Zanetti vs Lionel Messi
Both Argentina. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Javier Zanetti
Argentina · 1994–2011 · RB
- Rank in Argentina
- #8 of 33
- Caps · Argentina
- 145 · 5 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético Talleres de Remedios de Escalada, Club Atlético Banfield, Inter Milan
Inter gave him the armband in 2001 and he kept it until he retired at forty, by then on 858 appearances for the club and two red cards in a twenty-two-year career. Career record: 145 caps and 5 goals for Argentina; club career at Club Atlético Talleres de Remedios de Escalada, Club Atlético Banfield, Inter Milan.
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
Javier Zanetti is editorial rank 8 and Lionel Messi rank 2 in Argentina's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.