Anybody claiming messi, scholes and Rooney will be the same ppl calling for the likes of hedges to start!! Problem with social media and the internet it gives too many ppl a voice that should be licking windows!
Greatest player alive and still playing today? Definitely in the top two. Of all time? I would argue Pele owns that accolade.
Greatest-ever. Dead, alive, currently playing, the lot. He is lucky in the sense that anyone who wants to can follow his every move in a way that you couldn't with Pele or even Maradona, and that visibility burnishes his greatness. He is also lucky that we live in an era of super-clubs who have a stranglehold on their respective domestic leagues. I appreciate the argument that because he is contemparary, opinions are skewed towards what is current. I also appreciate the argument that there isn't much between him and Ronaldo; and in his absence Madrid are now getting smashed by pretty much a village team (3-0 in a 7000-capacity stadium the other week.) I see all the conditions and caveats, but I like the joy with which he plays. He has the numbers to back him up but he is beautiful to watch, more so than Ronaldo.
I know it's extremely difficult to compare eras but in my opinion there are some players who were so good, so talented that they would still be as good in a different era. Pele is one such player; his record compares with any player in history. Messi is a great player at club level, there is absolutely no questioning that but his record at international level isn't so great. For me he sits behind Pele on the all time list.
He's Argentina's record scorer. Three international finals (all lost, sadly) which he dragged them to despite lots of mediocrity in those teams. For every Agüero, a Mercado. We'll have to agree to disagree!
Most money and highest earners all round doesn't make it the best league. Like you say recent euro cup(s) history strongly suggests otherwise.
There’s some incredible suggestions of players on here. One player that I don’t think has been said yet is Hulk. Powerful left foot but not much else.
Not sure why so much emphasis is put on international football, it's not that high a standard at all. For example England won the world cup in 1966 but if you were picking the best 11 of that era George Best would be in it. He never played at a world cup.
I'm not specifically saying it's the defining factor but when there are only very fine lines between players who played for top class nations then the comparison is fairer but as I say isn't the only factor to consider.
My phone auto correct words I spell correctly then when I miss type it just sits back and lets me look like bell end.
'Overrated never done it for Argentina' How can anybody not rate Messi, He's been the best player in the world for 10 years at worst 2nd best? As for the argument he's never done it in England- Record against English clubs- Played 29 Goals 22 Assists 6 and that's against the top 4. Next....