Lionel Messi vs Gerd Müller
Argentina against Germany. 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.
Gerd Müller
Germany · 1970s · ST
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Germany
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 68 goals
- Clubs
- TSV 1861 Nördlingen, FC Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× national Player of the Year (1967–1969) · 3× Hall of Fame (1977–2018)
Der Bomber, a clinical poacher and 1970 Ballon d'Or winner whose incredible goalscoring record powered West Germany to World Cup and Euros glory. Career record: 62 caps and 68 goals for Germany; club career at TSV 1861 Nördlingen, FC Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× national Player of the Year (1967–1969), 3× Hall of Fame (1977–2018).
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 3 rating points, 99 against 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.