The abbreviation GOAT stands for ‘Greatest of All Time’. Now, there are many debates over who is the GOAT of football players of all time. Fans passionately debate and analyse the plays of their favourite players, from the sport’s legendary past to the present. Come explore with us the fascinating world of who is the GOAT of football. We’ll examine the players who took part in the ultimate competition for football supremacy and their lasting legacies, from legendary figures to modern-day superstars.

Who is the GOAT of Football?

Without a doubt, Argentina’s Lionel Messi is the GOAT of football or the greatest football player of the 21st century. When it comes to modern-day football, Messi is, without a doubt, the greatest of all time. With Argentina’s victory against France in the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Argentine captain became the only player to score in the group stages — including the round of 16, quarterfinal, semi-final and final. This strengthened his claim to the title.

So, having said that Messi is the GOAT of football history, let us take a look at the awards and competitions that he won:

Famous Awards Won By Messi:

Famous Competitions Won By Messi:

What Makes Messi the Real GOAT of Football?

In addition to being regarded by many as the best player of all time or the GOAT of football history, Lionel Messi is widely accepted as the GOAT of football in the modern age. The young Argentine is seated next to Pele and Diego Maradona, two football stars who have long been regarded as the GOAT of football all time.

Messi’s inclusion in the same discussion is hardly surprising, considering the significance of his accomplishment. Messi, the ultimate goal scorer and contemporary playmaker, has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, the award given to the year’s best player.

Messi’s brilliance has led records and football history books to shatter, and at 36 years old, he still amazes and mesmerises people, demonstrating his status as the best player of the modern period.
 

Records and Achievements of the GOAT of Football 

Messi’s Unrivalled Legacy 

Lionel Messi has had an incredible career with FC Barcelona in Spain, having seen and conquered all there is to club football. In addition to being the GOAT of football, he is the greatest goal scorer in Barcelona’s history, holds the record for the most goals scored in La Liga, and has the most assists in that league. Messi has also won La Liga ten times and set several match records in Spain!

Due to financial challenges, Messi had to leave Barcelona in 2021. He then moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France, where he won Ligue 1 in his debut year. After leading La Albiceleste to the trophy in Brazil in 2021, Messi also earned his first senior national trophy with Argentina for the first time in his international career. He had previously won an Olympic medal in Beijing in 2008. After Argentina defeated European champions Italy in the Finalissima in 2022, he captured his second title with Argentina.

Messi was also given the golden ball during the 2014 World Cup and finished second in the FIFA World Cup final. Although he suffered defeats in back-to-back Copa America finals with Argentina in 2015 and 2016, the Argentine is the player with the second-highest trophy, total in world football, trailing only former teammate Dani Alves.

However, more than achievements, records and stats, Messi’s sheer talent on the football field makes him unique. Even though he is acknowledged as one of the all-time great goal-scorers, many believe he is the greatest playmaker of the modern era. Now you know who is the GOAT of football history! Messi is, therefore, a complete player who not only scores many goals but also influences his team’s play and sets up his teammates. Therefore, Messi is the GOAT of football in the twenty-first century and the best football player of all time.

Other Contenders for Title of the GOAT of Football

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Along with Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is, without a doubt, the greatest football player of his generation. He is one of the most influential goal-scorers in international football. A remarkable champion on the field, he has led Real Madrid to five UEFA Champions League titles and has shown a strong sense of determination throughout his career. After surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei the previous year, Cristiano is currently the highest goal scorer in international football and Champions League history. Ronaldo also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League and the European Championships in 2016, their first international trophy. Ronaldo has not only won the Ballon d’Or five times, which is second most in history after Messi, but he has also scored goals in each FIFA World Cup since 2006 in which he has participated.

2. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane, one of the all-time great midfielders, scored two goals in the FIFA World Cup final against Brazil to help France win the tournament in 1998, marking the pinnacle of his career. He also enjoyed a distinguished career playing for Real Madrid and Juventus, two of Europe’s top teams. Zidane had an incredibly successful career as a manager after quitting the game as a player. He made history by leading Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.

3. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is the greatest football entertainer of modern times. In 2006, Ronaldinho helped Barcelona reclaim their reputation and led them to their first UEFA Champions League victory of the twenty-first century. In addition, Brazil won the FIFA World Cup in 2002 with him. In 2006, he was named ‘FIFA World Player of the Year’.

4. Xavi

Xavi is considered one of the best European football players and one of the best midfielders the game has ever seen. He played a key role in both the renowned Barcelona team led by Pep Guardiola and the Spain squad captained by Vicente del Bosque, which nearly took the world by storm. Along with leading Spain to two European Championships and the FIFA World Cup in 2010, Xavi won four Champions League championships and three La Ligas with Barcelona.

5. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta was the life of the golden Barcelona and Spain teams if Xavi was their brains. He will always be linked to Spain’s greatest victory in international football, having scored the game-winning goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final in South Africa. It’s unfortunate that Iniesta, who played football in the same generation as Messi and Ronaldo, was never the recipient of a Ballon d’Or despite having won every competition and award known. That being said, it is difficult to replicate the legacy he has left with Barcelona and Spain.

When it comes to football, Lionel Messi is the GOAT of football or the greatest player of the modern era. His genius is not limited to sports, as seen by his record-tying eight Ballon d’Or victories and numerous other honours.

Messi is the pinnacle of brilliance in the game because of his unparalleled skill, vision and impact, even though other outstanding players have made important contributions. Messi’s legacy is most apparent in the never-ending discussion about the greatest football player ever since it has become ingrained in supporters’ hearts everywhere. 

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FAQ’s About GOAT Of Football