Lionel Messi vs Josef Bican
Argentina against Czech Republic. 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.
Josef Bican
Czech Republic · ST
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Czech Republic
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 14 · 12 goals
- Clubs
- SK Rapid Wien, SK Slavia Prague, MFK Vítkovice
Often cited as one of football's most prolific goalscorers, the legendary Slavia Prague striker possessed an almost superhuman ability to find the back of the net. Career record: 14 caps and 12 goals for Czech Republic; club career at SK Rapid Wien, SK Slavia Prague, MFK Vítkovice.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 3 rating points, 99 against 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.