Seeing as he's broke Müllers record of 85 goals in a calendar year is he now the best ever player. IMO he is, and a lot better then Pele and maradona seeing as he's only 25 I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks his own record next year, already has 30 goals this season. Obviously some would say he has to win the world cup to be as good as Pele and Maradona but I cant see Argentina ever wining the world cup in his career but even with out it he surely is the best ever player to grace the game. Agree? please log in to view this image
Its hard to compare them as different times, leagues and rules etc. These days you only have to look at a player for them to go down. Maradonna and Pele played in times when football was a contact sport. Same as I dont think Messi would have scored half those goals if he played in the prem compared to Spain where it is rare to see a goal less game which is why you probably wouldnt see players like Neymar come to the prem as those types of players have been warned off playing here because its too physical. Spainish football is seen as exciting because of the amount of goals but half the teams in that league probably arent good enough for our championship. It will be interesting to see next season when these financial fair play rules come in what will happen to teams like Barca who have alot of debt
not as good as pele imo, needs to win a few world cups, how many did pele win nearly single handed? 5?
Best ever was Johan Cruyff. Pele was far better as well and Maradonna. As was Chris Waddle. Messi only looks good coz he is helped out by 9 gifted players and playing against rubbish defences.
Honestly, I still think that Cristiano Ronaldo is better. Messi is a much better forward and scores a ton, but he's propped up by his team and struggles away from the likes of Xavi and Iniesta. Ronaldo has torn two top leagues apart and has had two teams built around him. He's also a beast for his national team and has kept them strong over the years. For me, Messi needs to be great for both Argentina and elsewhere in his career to be considered the best. Messi won't leave Barcelona though, so we'll never know if he could replicate his form elsewhere.
Shiny.. How can you say 'a lot better than' Pele and Maradonna when you've never seen either play? Maradonna went to Napoli and inspired them to win their only Serie A titles. Could you see Messi doing similar? I'm not so sure.. He also inspired Argentina to that World Cup win, that's what Messi has to replicate to be in the same bracket. Pele won his first world cup when he was 17.. And is the only player to have won 3 of the things. Then scored over 1000 career goals.. Statistically its hard for Messi to measure up currently. Messi is in the same group as Zidane, Ronaldo, C Ronaldo etc. Maradonna and Pele are pretty far out in front still purely on what they've won and achieved. Not seen them play so technically I can't comment but when you look at what they accomplished in the game it's hard for Messi to measure up. Anyone on here seen either play? Or Best for that matter? I've only ever seen video footage..
'Anyone on here seen either play? Or Best for that matter?' Seen Pele and Besty live. It's unfair to say one is better from another era, you can only be the best of your time. When Pele started it was a different ball from what Besty/Cruyff played with and more importantly the tackling this lot had to put up with had to be seen to be believed. Would love to have seen Becks or Ashley Young tackled by Tommy Smith or Chopper Harris. Pele was best up to the 70's. Maradona was best late 70's and 80's. Now -Messi and Ronaldo - not a *** paper between them but probably Messi.
Everyone would have their own opinion on this, I don't remember Pele, Maradonna I only remember his handball, but in modern times whenever Messi or Ronaldo get the ball something special is going to happen, great to watch. I think I'll have to sit on the fence and say they are all greats, and the closest we'll ever to get to seeing one of these at Ashton Gate is Lionel Blair tap-dancing at halftime.
I got a ticket for England v Brazil Wembley 1963 but Pele was injured and did not play. A couple to add to your list Redprintt Eusebio; I saw him in 1961 England v Portugal Wembley, he was very special also. Cryuff in the 70's. I would always pick a player like Cryuff who had none of the theatrics over cheatin' Maradonna.
'Eusebio; I saw him in 1961 England v Portugal Wembley, he was very special also' Saw him at the European Cup Final in '68 against United. Great player and man - Will never forget him stopping play to congratulate Stepney after saving his shot. Besty was ordinary that night - John Aston was the best United player. And for Bobby, Foulkes and Matt a truly emotional night. My dad was in tears.
Messi is great, but he's got world greats around him. Maradona WAS Napoli and WAS Argentina. He won the World Cup with an Argentinian side that's overall worse than the current one IMO. For Messi to compete with them he'd have to inspire and influence a **** team. I challenge him to join City for free and win the prem in two years - only then will I think he's the best ever!
One things for sure if messi had lee Johnson behind him he would of broke Müllers record in February
If he had stern John or Patrick Ageymang beside him to take all the hits he'd score 86 goals in 1 game
