Lionel Messi vs Ferenc Puskás
Argentina against Hungary. 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.
Ferenc Puskás
Hungary · SS
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Hungary
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 85 · 84 goals
- Clubs
- Budapest Honvéd, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
The legendary 'Galloping Major,' his iconic left foot and prolific goals for Real Madrid and the Magical Magyars cement his status as one of football's greatest ever. Career record: 85 caps and 84 goals for Hungary; club career at Budapest Honvéd, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol.
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.