Lionel Messi vs David Beckham
Argentina against England. 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.
David Beckham
England · 1992–2013 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in England
- #15 of 33
- Caps
- 115 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011) · 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021)
On the opening day of the 1996/97 season he looked up at Selhurst Park, saw Neil Sullivan two steps off his line and dropped the ball over him from inside his own half. The 1999 Champions League completed United's treble and he won six league titles there, then La Liga in 2007, two MLS Cups in Los Angeles and Ligue 1 in Paris in 2013, with 59 games as England captain. Career record: 115 caps and 17 goals for England; club career at Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy; honours include 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011), 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021).
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 9 rating points, 99 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.