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