Inter Miami’s standout performer, Lionel Messi, has claimed the seventh spot on the list of the most iconic figures in the history of sports. Notably, this compilation featured only three football legends within its top 10.
It’s worth mentioning that two football greats, Diego Maradona and Pele, secured higher positions in this ranking, putting them ahead of Argentina’s national team captain.
Conspicuously absent from the top 10 was Messi’s perennial rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi’s status as one of the greatest players of all time has been widely acknowledged, particularly after his historic victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Having clinched every major trophy for both club and country, Messi has effectively achieved a level of success unmatched by anyone else in the sport.
Here’s the full list:
10. LeBron James
NBA legend, and the all-time leading scorer in the league, is celebrated for his remarkable performance during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007. Although they were ultimately defeated in the finals, James propelled his team with a career playoff-high of 48 points, coming within one game of the NBA Finals with a memorable double-overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons. At the age of 38, he continues to excel with the LA Lakers and is well on his way to breaking more records.
9. Sir Donald Bradman
Australian cricket legend, left an indelible mark on the sport by amassing an astonishing 6,996 runs with an unmatched average of 99.94 runs per match in international Test cricket. His dominance against England, highlighted by 19 centuries between 1928 and 1948, made him a formidable adversary. Bradman’s enduring legacy in the cricket world remains unshakable.
8. Wayne Gretzky
Renowned as the greatest ice hockey player of all time, boasts an extensive list of NHL records, including his remarkable single-season achievement of 92 goals and a 51-game point streak. With 894 career goals and 2,857 points, as well as four Stanley Cups, Gretzky’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
7. Lionel Messi
Despite his incredible achievements, Lionel Messi’s seventh-place ranking may surprise many football fans given his extraordinary accomplishments and reputation. A seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and a 12-time league champion with Barcelona and PSG, Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s recent World Cup victory. His move to Inter Miami, like Ronaldo’s transfer to Saudi Arabia, has garnered substantial attention and added new fans to the MLS. The ongoing rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo continues to captivate fans, even as both players enter their late 30s.
6. Roger Federer
Roger Federer stands alone in the world of tennis, holding the unique distinction of securing five consecutive titles at the US Open. With a record of 71 hard court titles, he remains a dominant force on this surface. Federer’s impressive achievements include winning 20 Grand Slam titles and the rare feat of claiming two Grand Slams five times in a row.
5. Larry Bird
Basketball icon who retired in 1992, continues to be highly regarded. He set the standard in the NBA as the first player to achieve a field goal percentage of 50% or higher, a three-point shooting percentage of 40% or better, and a free-throw percentage of 90% in a single NBA season. Bird’s accomplishments remain extraordinary, and his influence on the sport endures.
4. Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth’s contributions to baseball, including numerous records and accolades, have left an indelible mark on the sport. He symbolized America’s prominence during the 1920s, achieving the remarkable feat of hitting three home runs in a World Series Game. Ruth’s legacy extends beyond statistics, reflecting his leadership on and off the field.
3. Pele Pele
His influence on football is unquestionable, with his innovations in skills and dribbling still shaping the game today. His three World Cup victories underscore his remarkable career. Despite ongoing debates about his goal tally, Pele’s legacy remains intact.
2. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, six-time MVP, and 14-time NBA All-Star, is often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time. His iconic game-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals solidified his legendary status.
1. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, an enduring football icon, is frequently considered one of the most renowned athletes in history. His extraordinary skills and unforgettable moments on the field continue to define his greatness. With a list of accolades and his pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup victory, Maradona’s legacy remains unparalleled.
The ongoing debate over Messi and Ronaldo’s respective places in football history reflects the enduring fascination with these two extraordinary players.
