Argentina against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Argentina · 1956–62 · SS
Argentina's 1957 South American Championship was won by a forward line the press called the carasucias, and he was the one playing with his socks rolled down to his ankles, treating the nutmeg as a signature. Juventus paid a world-record fee of 10 million pesos for him that year, and he returned the 1961 Ballon d'Or, three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia, on top of the three Argentine championships he had already won with River Plate. Career record: 19 caps and 9 goals for Argentina; club career at Club Atlético River Plate, Juventus, SSC Napoli; honours include Ballon d'Or 1961.
Netherlands · 1986–2006 · SS
The epitome of grace and precision, his elegant first touch, mesmerising control, and exquisite finishing skills made him an Arsenal legend and one of football's great artists. Career record: 79 caps and 37 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal; honours include national Player of the Year 1993, Hall of Fame 2021.
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 92.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.