Lionel Messi vs Jairzinho
Argentina against Brazil. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lionel Messi
Argentina · 2021–24 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 99
- Rank in Argentina
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 207 · 125 goals
- Clubs
- Newell's Old Boys, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF
- Honours
- 2× Ballon d'Or (2009–2010) · FIFA World Player of the Year 2009 · The Best FIFA award 2019
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. The trophy cabinet runs from the 2022 World Cup and a second Golden Ball through the Copa América of 2021 and 2024 to eight Ballon d'Or awards, four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles and 672 goals for Barcelona. Career record: 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina; club career at Newell's Old Boys, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or (2009–2010), FIFA World Player of the Year 2009, The Best FIFA award 2019.
Jairzinho
Brazil · 1968–76 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Brazil
- #15 of 33
- Clubs
- Olympique de Marseille, Kaizer Chiefs, C.D. Jorge Wilstermann
Six matches at Mexico 1970, six matches with his name on the scoresheet, including Brazil's third goal in the 4-1 final against Italy on 21 June: no one has done that at a World Cup before or since. He left the tournament with seven goals and a winner's medal, took the 1976 Copa Libertadores with Cruzeiro, and won the 1968 Brazilian championship and four Rio state titles with Botafogo. Career record: club career at Olympique de Marseille, Kaizer Chiefs, C.D. Jorge Wilstermann.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 7 rating points, 99 against 92.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.