Lionel Messi vs Iker Casillas
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.
Iker Casillas
Spain · 2010s · GK
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Spain
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 167 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, FC Porto
- Honours
- Golden Foot 2017 · 2× Hall of Fame
"San Iker", the legendary Real Madrid and Spain captain, fearlessly guarded his goal to win the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back Euros in a glittering career. Career record: 167 caps and 0 goals for Spain; club career at Real Madrid C, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, FC Porto; honours include Golden Foot 2017, 2× Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 5 rating points, 99 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.