The greatest soccer debates are mainly about the best clubs, countries, and legendary players who have gone down in history 5️⃣ books as all-time legends. Some famous and legendary footballers who have been the talk of every fan in the 21st 5️⃣ century are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, and Diego Maradona, among others. However, the Messi vs Pele debate has repeatedly 5️⃣ gone over the roof whenever the two legends are mentioned, thanks to their career stats.
The debate between the two legendary 5️⃣ soccer players, Messi vs Pele. Photo: Ibrahim Ezzat, Bettmann (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
The duo is undoubtedly the greatest football 5️⃣ legends to ever grace the field with stunning records, history, achievements, and unmatched awards. Find more details about Pele vs 5️⃣ Messi and determine who is the GOAT of football and why right here.
Messi vs Pele's profile and bio summaries
Messi Pele 5️⃣ Full name Lionel Andres Messi Edson Arantes do Nascimento Date of birth 24 June 1987 23 October 1940 Age 35 5️⃣ years of age (as of June 2024) Passed at 82 Place of birth Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina Tres Coracoes, Brazil 5️⃣ Nationality Argentine Brazilian Club(s) Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, Inter Miami, Argentina Santos, New York Cosmos, Brazil Position(s) Attacking midfielder, forward 5️⃣ Attacking midfielder, forward Career goals 806 in 1027 appearances 767 in 832 appearances International goals 102 in 174 appearances 77 5️⃣ in 92 appearances Trophies and awards 1-time World Cup winner 2024, Copa America winner 2024, CONMEBAL-UEFA Cup of Champions 2024 5️⃣ 3-time World Cup winner 1958, 1962, 1970
Lionel Messi vs Pele's career goals and assists
The Argentine has scored 806 goals in 5️⃣ his career with 338 assists in 1,027 appearances, while the Brazilian scored 767 goals and 352 assists in 832 appearances.
Although 5️⃣ their tallies in terms of appearances and goals are almost at par, Messi overtook Pele to become the leading goal 5️⃣ scorer for the South American continent when he scored a hat-trick against Bolivia in the 2024 World Cup qualifiers.
Messi vs 5️⃣ Pele international goals
Internationally, the Argentine has scored 102 goals in 174 appearances, while the Brazilian managed 77 goals in 92 5️⃣ appearances in his career. The goal ratio for international goals and appearances for Messi is 0.59, while that for Pele 5️⃣ is 0.84.
Messi vs Pele all-time stats
The two legends have left a footprint in the heart of the soccer world with 5️⃣ incredible records that have gone down in history books.
That said, the Argentine's all-time stats stand at 806 goals with 357 5️⃣ assists in 1,027 appearances, while the Brazilian's all-time stats stand at 756 goals with 367 assists in 819 appearances.
Brazilian football 5️⃣ legend poses in during a visit at stadium Vila Belmiro on 17 May 2014 in Santos, Brazil. Photo: Friedemann Vogel
Source: 5️⃣ Getty Images
Pele vs Messi accomplishments and awards
The Brazilian took home three World Cup trophies alongside other accomplishments, such as the 5️⃣ CONMEBOL Libertadores Cup in 1962, 1963, the South American Super Cup in 1968, and 21 other awards from various leagues 5️⃣ in his competition.
On the other hand, the Argentine won the 2024 World Cup that was held in Qatar. Additionally, he 5️⃣ won the 2024 Copa América, the 2024 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, 4-time UEFA Champions League winner, 8-time La Liga, and 5️⃣ 2-time Ligue 1 title, among other achievements.
Who is the best, Messi or Pele?
According to statistics from various online sources, the 5️⃣ Argentine proved that he was one of the best footballers in the world when he secured his seventh Ballon d'Or. 5️⃣ On the other hand, the Brazilian King of soccer is regarded as the greatest of all time.
The debate has always 5️⃣ been top-notch, with players' skills and career stats arguing for them. Deciding who is the best between the two is 5️⃣ no ordinary task since each legend has proven to be the best in their particular area of expertise.
Does Messi have 5️⃣ more goals than Pele?
In his career, the Argentine has scored 806 goals with 357 assists in 1,027 appearances, while the 5️⃣ Brazilian has scored 756 goals with 367 assists in 819 appearances. That said, it is safe to say that Messi 5️⃣ has more goals than Pele.
The legendary player during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between PSG and Clermont Foot 63 5️⃣ at Parc des Princes on 3 June 2024 in Paris, France. Photo: Philippe Lecoeur
Source: Getty Images
Who is the best footballer 5️⃣ in history?
Various online sources are still collecting data to determine who is the best football player in history. Due to 5️⃣ his performance at the 2024 FIFA World Cup, Lionel is the most popular candidate recognised as the greatest player of 5️⃣ all time. His counterpart and rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, is considered the best player in history to ever play the game 5️⃣ by many critics and his statistical data analysis and comparison.
Did Pele win the Ballon d’Or?
The Brazilian took home some of 5️⃣ the world's biggest trophies and awards the world could offer, but unfortunately, he never got to take home the Ballon 5️⃣ d'Or. Although he passed away, the renowned athlete forever sealed his name in the history books.
Who did Pele think was 5️⃣ the GOAT?
Brazilian football great Edson Arantes do Nascimento arrives at Guarulhos International Airport from Sao Paulo, Brazil on 9 April 5️⃣ 2024. Photo: Nelson Almedia
Source: Getty Images
In his own words, Pele said that he would start Messi if he had to 5️⃣ decide. However, alongside the Argentine, the Brazilian also mentioned some of the renowned legends he believed were great in their 5️⃣ ways.
The legendary players included Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Johan Cruyff, and Zico.
With keen insight, 5️⃣ the comparison of Messi vs Pele can be put to rest once and for all. As discussed, it may seem 5️⃣ more challenging to compare two great legends who have done the impossible in the soccer world. Although there are other 5️⃣ legends, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona, these two have left marks yet to be filled by upcoming stars.
READ 5️⃣ ALSO: Which is the best NBA draft class of all time?
Sports Brief has anthologized a top 10 list detailing the 5️⃣ best NBA draft class ever. The NBA draft is one of the most anticipated annual events in its history since 5️⃣ most teams go scouting for the best players from various parts of the world to join them in contesting for 5️⃣ the title or, instead, staying at the top of the league.
Building a competitive NBA squad that can bring home trophies 5️⃣ requires the coach to understand the team's needs and, thus, the kind of players to draft. Click on the link 5️⃣ above to find out who is the best NBA draft class of all time.
