Lionel Messi vs Zinedine Zidane
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.
Zinedine Zidane
France · 1990s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in France
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 108 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1998 · 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003)
The mercurial maestro whose iconic Marseille turn, balletic grace, and unforgettable header in the 1998 World Cup final defined a golden era for France and Real Madrid. Career record: 108 caps and 31 goals for France; club career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 1998, 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003).
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 1 rating point, 99 against 98.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.