Usain Bolt snubbed Lionel Messi when naming the three greatest footballers of all time

Usain Bolt controversially snubbed Lionel Messi when naming his top three footballers of all time.

The sprinting legend is one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history, with eight gold medals to his name. He also holds the world record for the fastest times over both 100m and 200m and it looks unlikely that he will ever be knocked off his perch.

The 38-year-old is also a huge football fan and supporter of Manchester United and had a brief spell trying to transition to professional football and played in trial fixtures for Australian side Central Coast Mariners in a move that he called a "mistake".

But Bolt has his favourites in the game and sensationally omitted eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi from his top three players in history.

Bolt selected late greats Pele and Diego Maradona as a nod to their incredible legacies, whilst also opting for his favourite player Cristiano Ronaldo - a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and the record goalscorer in the history of the Champions League history.

Speaking an interview with Complex, Bolt said: "Oh my god, I’m just gonna keep it simple I think Pele & Maradona, my favourite footballer is Cristiano Ronaldo, so those are my top 3.”

The interviewer was surprised that Ronaldo was picked over Messi and after she asked how come?", he simply replied, "It’s Cristiano Ronaldo".

Bolt's selection comes despite him supporting the Argentina national team, the reigning world champions after Messi captained them to a World Cup triumph in 2022 in Qatar.

In an interview with Omnisport, Bolt called Messi "very talented" but said that his understanding is that Ronaldo "had to work to get where he is" and that prompted his admiration.

Bolt picks between himself and fellow Olympic legend Michael Phelps

The debate between Messi and Ronaldo is never-ending but there is also a discussion about who is the king of the Olympics. Swimming sensation Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time and claimed 28 medals between 2004 and 2016, including 23 golds.

However Bolt, believes his achievement of being the fastest man alive is more impressive.

Usain Bolt shakes hands with Michael Phelps. Image: Getty

Asked for his view on the Dan Patrick Show, Bolt said: "I would have to go for myself, for sure. It's just hard work and dedication. It's what I wanted (to be the fastest man on the planet) so I knew if I wanted it, I had to work for it.

"I have a great team around me, a great coach that helps me to stay focused and I just work towards what I want.

"I'm just always staying on top. When I started I was quick, but I think when I was like 15 or 16 was when I really realised I had a great talent."