Lionel Messi has once again rewritten sporting greatness being ranked the most influential athlete of 21 st century in a new ranking published globally by Le Journal de Quebec. The Inter Miami star has topped a list of 25 star athletes that are highly regarded, beating long term rival Cristiano Ronaldo and a number of other legends in various sports.
The legendary Argentine football player made it to the top by virtue of his consistency and historic success on and off the field of play in addition to his global impact. His career has seen Messi win several Ballon d’Ors, a World Cup win with Argentina and a record club achievement in Europe and North America. He has influenced the culture of sports across the world.
In the second position, NFL icon Tom Brady was listed. The seven time super bowl winner is freely considered the most successful quarterback in the history of American football. Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps was ranked third, and he has an unsurpassed track record of 28 Olympic medals.
Other high-profiled athletes who are on the top ten list are Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, LeBron James, Novak Djokovic, Simone Biles and Kobe Bryant. All these athletes are a symbol of supremacy in their areas of sports and long term worldwide impact.
Cristiano Ronaldo who has been seen as the worst rival of Messi was ranked number ten. Ronaldo ranked below some athletes of other fields of activity despite his legendary records of goal-scoring, the victories in the Champions League, and his fan clubs all over the world. This role created controversy among fans as he is one of the most recognizable personalities in football.
The rating takes into account the affective influence beyond trophies, cultural influence, longevity, international performance, and sport development. The list indicates the influence of the athletes who have lived in various periods and practiced various kinds of sports in the modern context.
Having Messi on the top of the lists, the discussion on the greatest in the history of football acquires a different perspective, however, it is not only about the statistics, but rather about the impact.
