Lionel Messi vs Andrés Iniesta
Argentina against Spain. 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.
Andrés Iniesta
Spain · 2010s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Spain
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 131 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona, Vissel Kobe
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Andrés Iniesta, the creator of countless moments of magic for Barcelona, forever etched his name in history with the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. Career record: 131 caps and 13 goals for Spain; club career at FC Barcelona Atlètic, FC Barcelona, Vissel Kobe; honours include Hall of Fame.
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.