Inter Miami star and Argentina’s world-renowned footballer Lionel Messi has achieved another historic milestone in his legendary career, after being named the greatest athlete of the 21st century by a Canadian magazine.
According to Le Journal de Québec, Lionel Messi has been ranked at the top of a list featuring the world’s 25 most influential athletes across different sports.
The selection was based on exceptional achievements, major titles, and global impact.
Messi surpassed his long-time football rival Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as several global sports icons from other disciplines, including NFL great Tom Brady.
The ranking lists Tom Brady, a seven-time NFL champion, in second place, while the most successful swimmer in Olympic history, Michael Phelps, who won 28 Olympic medals, secured third position.
Other prominent athletes featured in the list include tennis star Serena Williams, the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, and basketball superstar LeBron James.
In a surprising outcome, Cristiano Ronaldo was placed tenth on the list, ranking behind tennis star Novak Djokovic, gymnastics icon Simone Biles, and basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
With this latest recognition, Lionel Messi has once again confirmed his status as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history.
