Lionel Messi has been named the Greatest Athlete of the 21st Century by Le Journal de Québec, placing him ahead of some of the biggest global sports icons. The recognition highlights Messi’s unmatched influence on football and his lasting impact on modern sports. Cristiano Ronaldo, often compared with Messi throughout their careers, was ranked 10th on the list.
The ranking evaluated 25 of the most influential athletes of the century, using criteria such as trophies won, individual records, cultural impact, and career longevity. Messi stood out across all areas, thanks to his consistency at the highest level and his ability to shape the game over nearly two decades.
One of the key moments that strengthened Messi’s position was his historic World Cup victory with Argentina. Winning football’s biggest prize ended years of debate and confirmed his greatness on the international stage. Alongside this, his club career has been filled with record breaking achievements, including multiple league titles, Champions League trophies, and Ballon d’Or awards.
Beyond numbers and silverware, Messi’s influence goes deeper. His style of play changed how football is viewed, proving that vision, technique, and intelligence can be more powerful than physical strength. Young players around the world continue to model their game on him.
The recognition by Le Journal de Québec cements Messi’s status as the defining athlete of his generation. His journey from a young talent in Argentina to a global icon represents excellence, dedication, and humility. For many fans and experts, this title simply confirms what they have believed for years, that Lionel Messi is truly one of a kind.
