Former Barcelona star Rivaldo, who is the Blaugrana’s sixth top goalscorer of all time, has opposed the idea that Lionel Messi could be the greatest footballer in the history of the sport.
After reaching the incredible individual milestone earlier this week, Messi has further propelled himself in the conversation to be considered among the best footballers ever.
And Rivaldo has insisted that although Messi deserved his record seventh Ballon d’Or, he is still not the greatest footballer of all time.
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“He [Messi] deserved the award based on his performances for Argentina as they won the Copa America – a trophy they have coveted for many years – and he was the best player of the tournament,” the Brazilian told Betfair.
“There will always be arguments about the Ballon d’Or, as there are so many voters from all over the world and there is so much footballing talent around.
“I could have made the case for Karim Benzema, along with [Robert] Lewandowski and Messi, but in the end, the award must go to one player.
“It’s possible the Argentinian’s amazing career also had some influence on those voters who were wavering.
“He will be remembered as one of the best players ever, but it’s tough to say he already is the best, as he is still chasing a World Cup title with Argentina.
“Other players, such as Pele, won the World Cup many times so I don’t think Messi should be considered the best ever.
“He is up there, though, and would make the top three.”
4 Comments
There are many players ahead of Messi in terms of all time best. Ballon d or is not and cannot be used to measure ability and performance because it mostly subjective and political. Till Christ returns I rank Zidane,Pele, Maradona, Renaldiho ,J ,J Okocha ahead of Messi. Bros let’s face the truth the aforementioned were true ballers and a joy to behold and can single handedly change the face of a big game which Messi hardly can do.
Broda abeg no let OKOCHA come beat you for trying to blow him yansh open oooo. He go beat you well well ooo for this kind comment ooo.
Oga, pls tell this ASSEMBLY which BIG game OKOCHA single handedly changed?
Lol
Na wa
Whilst I am not saying he’s the greatest of all time, I think its disrespectful bringing OKOCHA in the same conversation where MESSI is mentioned.
Haba
Someone that single handedly dragged a poor Argentine team to the final of Brazil 2014 WC and single handedly won COPA America 2021 for ARGENTINA is the one you are comparing with Ronaldinho and Okocha????
Aba, how can you say messi single handedly won the Copa America for Argentina?
You seem to have forgotten that football is a team sport and better still you have forgotten the heroics of the Argentine keeper especially during penalties in the competition, that is if you followed it.
This award is for one person.He contributed his part .