Lionel Messi vs Tom Finney
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.
Tom Finney
England · 1946–60 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in England
- #12 of 33
- Caps
- 76 · 30 goals
- Clubs
- Preston North End, Lisburn Distillery
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
A true pioneer on the wing, his pace and two-footed brilliance made him a constant threat for Preston North End and England throughout the 1940s and 50s. Career record: 76 caps and 30 goals for England; club career at Preston North End, Lisburn Distillery; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 8 rating points, 99 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.