Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal
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.
Lamine Yamal
Spain · 2023–26 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Spain
- #14 of 33
- Caps
- 33 · 7 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona
Aged sixteen against France in Munich on 9 July 2024, he cut inside from the right and curled a shot into the top corner past Mike Maignan, the youngest goal in European Championship history. World champion with Spain in 2026 and European champion in 2024, he has three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona, the Golden Boy award in 2024, and the Kopa Trophy in both 2024 and 2025. Career record: 33 caps and 7 goals for Spain; club career at FC Barcelona.
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.