Lionel Messi vs Thierry Henry
Argentina against France. 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.
Thierry Henry
France · 1997–2010 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in France
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 123 · 51 goals
- Clubs
- AS Monaco, Arsenal, New York Red Bulls
- Honours
- 2× national Player of the Year (2003–2003) · European Golden Shoe 2004 · Golden Boot 2002
With his back to goal at Highbury on 1 October 2000, Denis Irwin tight behind him, he flicked the ball up, spun and volleyed it over Fabien Barthez in one motion. France won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with him in the side, Barcelona the 2009 Champions League, and he took two league titles at Arsenal, including the unbeaten season of 2003/04, leaving as their record scorer on 228 goals. Career record: 123 caps and 51 goals for France; club career at AS Monaco, Arsenal, New York Red Bulls; honours include European Golden Shoe 2004, Golden Boot 2002, 2× national Player of the Year (2003–2003).
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.