Messi, Getty Images May 20 2025, 10:50

The International Federation of Football History and IFFHS (IFFHS) has released the ranking of 10 best football players in history, and was headed by Argentine Lyionel Messi. The winner of eight gold balls and the world champion of 2022 became the undisputed leader of the list.

His main rival in modern football, Cristiano Ronaldo, was in the fourth position, giving way to two legends of the past – Pele and Diego Maradoni, who took second and third places respectively.

The fifth stage of the rating was taken by the Dutch virtuoso, Johan Croyff. The top 10 also included Ronaldo, Zinedin Zidan, Franz Bekenbauer, Alfredo Di Stefano and Ronaldinho. Interestingly, Zidan became the only classic midfielder in the list, and Bekenbauer – the only representative of defense.

Among the nationalities, the most represented by Argentina and Brazil – three players. Argentine should be formed by Messi, Maradona and Di Stefano, although the latter also had Spanish citizenship. From Brazil in the top 10 entered Pele, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Earlier, Messi criticized the judge after the defeat of Inter Mayai from Orlando.