Who is Greater than Messi? Exploring the Greatest Football Legends

The Messi Debate: Is He the Greatest Ever?

Well, let’s dive right into the big question. Who is greater than Messi? Honestly, this is one of those debates that divides football fans everywhere. Messi has been hailed as one of the greatest players of all time – his records, his magical dribbles, his almost supernatural control over the ball. He’s won countless individual awards, including 7 Ballon d'Or trophies (as of 2023), and helped Argentina secure the long-awaited 2022 FIFA World Cup. So, how can anyone be greater?

But here's the thing: greatness in football isn’t just about stats or trophies. It’s about influence, style, and longevity. Some people, including me, would argue that while Messi is certainly one of the all-time greats, there might be a few names that could arguably challenge his supremacy.

The Legends that Could Rival Messi

Pelé: The King of Football

Okay, so Pelé. When you think about football greatness, Pelé's name has to come up. The Brazilian legend, often regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, revolutionized the sport. With three World Cup wins (1958, 1962, 1970), he has an incredible legacy that Messi has yet to match.

Pelé played in a time when football wasn’t as globally commercialized as it is now, but his impact was immeasurable. I remember reading about Pelé’s incredible 1958 World Cup run—he was just 17 years old, and he scored a hat-trick in the semifinals! I mean, who does that at 17? His consistency in delivering when it mattered the most set the tone for the next generation of footballers, including Messi.

Diego Maradona: The Genius of Argentina

Now, let’s talk about Diego Maradona, another name that often comes up when we discuss Messi's place in history. Personally, I’ve always found myself drawn to Maradona’s raw brilliance and his unforgettable moments on the pitch. I mean, the 1986 World Cup and the “Hand of God” goal – that moment alone will forever be etched in football history.

Maradona’s ability to carry a team on his back, especially during the 1986 World Cup, was something Messi only recently achieved in 2022. Maradona’s impact on Argentina and the footballing world was so immense that he became a cultural icon, not just a footballer. And let’s face it, his dribbling skills—especially his solo goal against England—are some of the most jaw-dropping moments in football history.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Modern Rival

Okay, okay. I know what you're thinking: “Cristiano Ronaldo, really?” But hear me out. If we’re talking about players who challenge Messi’s place at the top, you can't overlook Ronaldo. He’s Messi’s eternal rival and has arguably matched or even surpassed Messi in certain areas. With five Ballon d'Ors and an unrivaled goal-scoring record in Europe’s top leagues, Ronaldo's consistency at the highest level is insane.

While Messi is known for his finesse and playmaking ability, Ronaldo’s power, athleticism, and knack for scoring goals from almost any position have made him one of the most complete players to ever play the game. I had this discussion with a friend recently, and we both agreed that it’s a bit unfair to compare the two directly – they're just so different. But in terms of raw athleticism and adaptability, Ronaldo has been a force, and there are definitely moments when he’s been more dominant in his career.

The Case for Messi as the Greatest

Why Messi Might Still Be the GOAT

Well, after all this talk about Pelé, Maradona, and Ronaldo, let’s bring it back to Messi. Honestly, for me, Messi stands out because of his technical ability and vision. His dribbling is unlike anything we’ve ever seen—he dribbles past players with a level of ease and grace that seems almost unfair. On top of that, his playmaking ability—his vision, his passing, and his ability to create opportunities out of nothing—set him apart.

If you ask any football fan about the best player to ever grace the field, many of them would still go with Messi because he combines skill, heart, and consistency like no one else. I’ll admit, there were times I doubted whether he could deliver on the world stage, but after the 2022 World Cup win, I truly think he cemented his place as one of the greatest.

Messi's Impact on Football

Another aspect that makes Messi so unique is his influence on the way modern football is played. His style has shaped how many younger players approach the game today. I was talking to a friend who coaches kids in a local football team, and he said that kids are trying to replicate Messi’s movements, his decision-making on the ball, and his ability to read the game. That’s a legacy that only a handful of players can leave behind.

So, Who is Greater Than Messi?

Honestly, it’s tough to say anyone is truly greater than Messi. Pelé, Maradona, and Ronaldo all have cases, and there’s no denying their immense influence. However, Messi’s ability to perform consistently at the highest level for so long, combined with his artistry on the pitch, makes him a unique talent.

Is he the greatest? That depends on what criteria you use. But one thing is for sure: Messi belongs in the conversation of the greatest football players ever. And while there may be rivals, for me, he remains the GOAT.

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.