Always an impossible poll to do fairly. We only ever get highlights of players like Pele, Best, Puskas etc.and it makes it impossible to compare. However he is the best player of his generation IMO and comfortably so.

I think its too early to if he is the greatest player ever, but without a doubt will be the greatest of this generation

It’s difficult to compare Messi and Maradona though both are unquestionably footballing geniuses. Messi has scored more goals for Barca but he plays in an era where his talent is given full opportunity to shine. Maradona was kicked, assaulted and maimed when he played in Spain enduring at least two terrible injuries most infamously at the boot of Andoni Goikoetxea, the Butcher of Bilbao at the Camp Nou in ’83. Just watch Messi’s 2nd goal in the clip above. It’s reminiscent of many he has scored in La Liga where defenders fearful that a rash challenge will mean a red card, just back off and don’t even put a foot in. It doesn’t take away from Messi’s God given talent but comparisons are difficult.

He is the greatest ever, alot of pundits might not agree only Pele comes close

Ive a friend, a utd supporter, “typical” who claims Rooney is a better play than Messi… should I call him a friend..

If you count goals and assists, he’s contributed to 286 goals in his 286 games for Barcelona.

No one else comes close to those kinds of stats!

He is the best ever in his position.

Surly that decision cannot be made until the end of time.

eh, Gary ‘The Doc’ Doherty?

In the last 2 years yes you can summarize that he is one of the greatest but its much too early to decide is he the best yet. He is MAGIC to watch but remember he has Xavi and Iniesta around him also.
Remember Ronaldino, for 3 years he was untouchable, the “greatest”. Then he turned into some heap! :)

He is unreal, a magician on a ball, but THE greatest. too early.

As for Rooney been better! Been blinkered and been blinkered.

He is ONE of the best ever but saying he is THE best ever is making a pretty bold statement. Soccer is different now than back in Pele’s or Best’s day, how would he have faired back then?
He also only gets a handful of tough games a year; other than the top few teams the Spanish league is not particularly strong. How did he perform at the last world cup against tougher opposition? His performances weren’t great.
Remember, he’s only 24, it’s a bit early to be lauding him as the best ever player. Would love to see him playing in the premiership though!

In the last 20 years I’d rate Zidane as having been better than him, and TBH in the current Barca team I’d say that Xavi is more important than Messi.

Messi will do the eye-catching stuff, Xavi controls games (just as Zidane did in the past).

He is on his way to be the best. His chance will be on the Brazil wc.

Watching Lionel Messi every week on Sky, he is in no doubt the best player at present. His skill and work rate is immense and his goal tally and goal assist is a true reflection of his talent. He has come up with some fantastic goals and important ones (both Champion League finals for example). However what sets him apart is his attitude. He wants to play every game, and plays for the team. I have now doubt that he will be a part of a world cup winning team in the future !

Maradona had as much skill but,unlike him, Messi seems to have an excellent temperament.He’s the best I’ve ever seen.

Messi for me is better than Maradona, my other idol. World cup or not, just wait and see.

Who is voting for ronaldo?

Messiah

He doesn’t do it for his country, play any team outside the top 4 or 5 in la liga and you’ll score a hat full of goals, he doesn’t defend or tackle really so how can he be called the best ever

Just because he scores goals doesn’t make him the greatest.

Also may be wrong but of its down to scoring goals alone I think Ronaldo has a better scoring average in la liga than messi. Not saying he’s the better player tho.

until he produces for his country i’ll reserve judgement

Measi is an amazing playrr ther is no doubt but i question would he score as freely as he does if he played in the premiership, better defenses than la liga.. Hes never really shiwn up for argentina which shows he has benefited greatly from the team of players( xavi, iniesta) that surround him at barca aswell as a top class coach, he is amazing but to be the greatest i think he needs to play in england for a couple of seasons to see how he measures up, again im not slating him as i am a fan but to be voted the greatest u need to show versatillity( dif leagues, internationally)