Messi crowned Greatest Football Player of All Time by Marca

Reputable Spanish newspaper MARCA has awarded Lionel Messi the coveted title of “Greatest Football Player of All Time,” sparking debate among football fans worldwide.

This prestigious honor recognizes Messi’s unparalleled achievements on the pitch.

A Stellar Lineup of Contenders

MARCA’s ranking places Messi at the pinnacle, followed closely by Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, Alfredo Di Stefano, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff.

Each of these legends boasts an impressive trophy cabinet and has left an indelible mark on the sport.

The Case for Messi

MARCA’s decision was swayed by Messi’s staggering trophy haul, including 41 titles and a record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or awards.

His consistent excellence on the pitch has inspired generations of football fans.

Messi’s influence extends beyond the beautiful game, transcending sports to become a cultural icon.

A Legacy Beyond Debate

While opinions may vary, Messi’s impressive résumé makes a strong case for his status as the greatest.

With a record-breaking 772 goals and 319 assists, his on-field accomplishments are simply unmatched.

As MARCA aptly puts it, “In the Big 6, all have an incredible track record. Messi has won more than anyone, which is why he has the honor of being recognized as the No. 1 of the No. 1s.”

Achievements and Accolades

– 46 titles, including 4 UEFA Champions League trophies
– 8 Ballon d’Or awards, a record-breaking feat
– 772 goals and 319 assists, unmatched in professional football
– 7 La Liga Best Player awards
– 3 Copa America titles

The MARCA America Award

Messi was full of thanks for the award:

“We already have a long-standing relationship with MARCA. They were very good to choose an Argentine and a Catalan. They are my two homes. It’s where I’m happy. But today we are also in a place where we are very happy. Without knowing me, they were very right.”

The Chase Stadium was the venue for the award ceremony.

Numerous personalities gathered to honor Messi as the champion of champions: 46 collective titles and 56 individual titles adorn an almost unattainable list of honors.

Do you remember your first title as a kid?
“I saw pictures of my first trophy as a kid, but I don’t remember it. Surely, like some of my children, I wasn’t aware of everything that was to come. I enjoyed soccer from a very young age. It’s my passion.

Do you count titles?
“I don’t count titles. Mostly the individual ones. It was spectacular to see the video. A lot of things go through my head. We’ve also had some difficult moments. Not everything is pretty. The disappointments helped me to grow”.

Argentina National Team
“I love playing soccer. I was recently in a packed Monumental with Argentina, chanting my name and that of my teammates. I’ve been through a lot of bad times with Argentina and I’m grateful for the moment I’m living now. I’m taking advantage of it because time is running out. The love I have for this sport is very great. We came here to make this club bigger, I didn’t come here to retire. We are lucky to win so many titles.”

Messi’s thanks
“Thank you very much for this recognition, both the work and the drawing. I know it was with great affection because of what they told me and we are going to find a little place for it because it deserves it”.

Next goal or dream?
“I was able to fulfill all my dreams and achieved many more than I dreamed of as a kid. God gave it to me. I was able to achieve the biggest dream of a player, which is a World Cup. I won many titles in the club of my life, which is Barcelona. I also won in Paris and now with Inter. I’m fighting to continue to achieve many more things”.

World Cup 2026?

“Things pass by and I don’t get ahead of myself. I try to enjoy day by day. When the time comes we’ll see, I don’t like to accelerate times. I hope I can continue to perform at this level to feel good and be happy. That’s more important to me than whether I’m going to make it or not.

Thiago, Mateo and Ciro’s criticism…
“Our children will reproach me for not being here. Now they understand everything. I love what I do. I enjoy being on the field. The other day I enjoyed the Monumental chanting my name and that’s the best. I have fought hard for this moment to come and I enjoy it more than ever. When the end is near… you value many more things. Coming here was not a retirement. It was to make a very new club great. We are close to continuing to win titles.”

About Marca

MARCA is a Spanish national daily sports newspaper founded in 1938, focusing primarily on football.

It’s one of the most widely read and influential sports publications in Spain, covering La Liga and the Spanish national team.

MARCA offers in-depth coverage, exclusive interviews, breaking news, transfer rumors, and analysis.

The newspaper also covers other sports like basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, with opinion columns, editorials, and expert analysis.

MARCA has a strong online presence, providing real-time news updates, live match commentary, video highlights, and social media engagement.

The newspaper has received numerous awards, including Best Sports Newspaper in the World (2001, 2004) and European Sports Media Award (2013).

With a daily circulation of over 200,000 copies and millions of readers worldwide, MARCA’s influence extends beyond Spain, respected in the global sports community.

Its notable sections include the front-page analysis, investigative reports, and expert opinion columns, making MARCA a leading source for Spanish sports news.

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