Lionel Messi vs Luís Figo
Argentina against Portugal. 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.
Luís Figo
Portugal · 2000s · RM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Portugal
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 127 · 32 goals
- Clubs
- Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 2000 · FIFA World Player of the Year 2001 · national Player of the Year
The F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid legend was a mesmerising winger whose dazzling dribbling, pinpoint crosses, and leadership earned him the 2000 Ballon d'Or. Career record: 127 caps and 32 goals for Portugal; club career at Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 2000, FIFA World Player of the Year 2001, national Player of the Year.
The verdict
The almanac puts Lionel Messi ahead by 6 rating points, 99 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.