Lionel Messi vs Zico
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.
Zico
Brazil · 1976–86 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Brazil
- #6 of 33
Liverpool came to Tokyo as European champions on 13 December 1981 and went in three down at half-time, two of the goals laid on for Nunes by the man who ran the game from just behind him. That win completed Flamengo's 1981 double with the Copa Libertadores, and he added four Brazilian championships, South American Footballer of the Year in 1977, 1981 and 1982, World Soccer's player of the year in 1983, and 508 goals for the club.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 4 rating points, 99 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.