Lionel Messi Crowned 21st Century’s Greatest Athlete

Friday, 26 December 2025 | Web Desk

Football superstar Lionel Messi has added another extraordinary honor to his legendary career, being named the greatest athlete of the 21st century.

The prestigious title comes from a new global ranking released by the renowned Canadian newspaper Le Journal de Québec. Messi clinched the top spot, surpassing iconic athletes from football and all other sports.

The list was compiled to mark the completion of the first 25 years of the 21st century. American football legend Tom Brady secured second place, while the most decorated Olympian of all time, American swimmer Michael Phelps, ranked third.

The list of 25 athletes features tennis great Serena Williams in fourth place. Sprint king Usain Bolt follows at fifth, and basketball superstar LeBron James takes sixth.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo appears at tenth position. Just ahead of him were Novak Djokovic, Simone Biles, and the late Kobe Bryant.

Other sporting legends featured in the ranking include Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stephen Curry, Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Shohei Ohtani, and Marta.

Messi’s Enduring Legacy

Lionel Messi, currently the captain of both MLS club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, fulfilled the ultimate dream of his career by winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Just this month, he led Inter Miami to its first-ever major trophy, the Leagues Cup, and was awarded the Golden Boot and consecutive MVP honors for the tournament.

His club career is decorated with unparalleled success, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League victories with FC Barcelona, alongside significant achievements with Paris Saint-Germain.

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His sustained brilliance and extraordinary performances have cemented his status as the greatest footballer of the modern era. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028.