Is Messi the Best Player Ever? The Debate We Can’t Let Go

Numbers Don’t Lie… Right?

Let’s just start with the obvious: Lionel Messi’s stats are insane. Like, “is-this-even-real?” kind of insane.

He’s scored over 800 goals, won more Ballon d’Ors than any other human (eight, last I checked), and he’s got club trophies spilling out of his metaphorical closet—La Liga titles, Champions League wins, Copa América, and yep, finally... a World Cup.

Honestly, when he lifted that trophy in Qatar, I texted my buddy Sam (die-hard Ronaldo fan): “Bro, it’s done. Argument over.”
He replied with a single “” emoji. Figures.

The Trophy Cabinet Is Full

• 10x La Liga titles

• 7x Copa del Rey

• 4x Champions League

• 1x Copa América

• 1x World Cup

• 8x Ballon d’Or

But here’s the thing—being the GOAT isn’t just about silverware.

It’s the Way He Plays, Man

You Watch Him… and It Feels Like Art

There’s something about Messi that numbers don’t fully capture. He’s not just efficient—he’s beautiful. The way he dribbles, the way he controls pace, the little passes no one else sees…
It’s poetry, not just football.

There was this match, I think it was against Athletic Bilbao, where he literally dribbled past five defenders and chipped it over the keeper like it was nothing. I remember watching it and saying out loud, to no one:
"That’s not normal."

Football IQ Off the Charts

He doesn’t just play the game, he reads it three steps ahead. You watch old games and realize he was always scanning, always adjusting, like a chess grandmaster in boots.

The Competition: Why It’s Still Debated

The Ronaldo Factor

Let’s be real—Cristiano Ronaldo is a freak of nature, and his case for GOAT status is totally valid. He’s got the mentality, the goals, the trophies too. He reinvented himself multiple times, across leagues.
And I totally get it if you vibe more with that alpha energy.

But here's where I struggle: Messi just makes the game look effortless. Ronaldo dominates; Messi hypnotizes.

Honestly, depending on the day, even I flip-flop. Some days it’s Cristiano’s clutch goals that echo louder. Other days, it’s Messi’s left foot curling one in from 25 yards that gives me chills.

The Maradona & Pelé People

And don’t forget the old-school crowd. My uncle (hardcore Napoli fan) still says “Maradona did more with less”.
And sure, Pelé had three World Cups. But also, a completely different era. The game’s faster now, more physical, more tactical. Comparing generations is tricky business.

Still, the fact Messi’s even in that conversation? Speaks volumes.

What Sets Messi Apart (At Least for Me)

Loyalty (Kinda), Humility, and… Magic

Okay, okay—he left Barça. It still hurts. But for 20 years, he was that club. No drama, no flashy transfers every season. Just work, goals, and magic.

He never screamed “look at me” like others. His personality is quiet, almost shy. And somehow, that made his brilliance stand out even more.

The Human Touch

I saw this clip once—some little kid met him and started crying. Messi just knelt down, hugged him. No bodyguards, no cold shoulder. Just kindness.
And for me? That stuff matters too.

So… Is Messi the Best Player Ever?

Honestly? I think so.
Not just because of the goals or the trophies. But because of the emotion.
The way he makes football fans feel—joy, awe, disbelief—that’s GOAT-level stuff.

Could I be biased? Absolutely.
Do I sometimes doubt it after watching Ronaldo score a 40-yard rocket? Also yes.
But then Messi does something stupidly beautiful again, and I’m like: “Yeah, it’s him.”

And maybe, just maybe, the fact we’re still debating it... is the best part.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.