5 Ballon d'Ors. 819 games. 671 goals. 285 assists. 32 trophies. Ten La Liga titles. Four Champions League trophies. Six European Golden Shoes. One GOAT photoshoot. One GOAT award.
It has been a long time coming but finally, we have the answers. Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has been voted the greatest footballer of all time, beating the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele and Diego Maradona to the prestigious title.
In a four way poll, 26,104 people voted for their GOAT on Twitter, with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi coming out on top with 44% of the vote.
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Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo was a close second, receiving 36% of the vote while Pele and Diego Maradona came in third and fourth with 15% and 5% of the vote, respectively.
SPORTbible fans rightly pointed out that legendary strikers Emile Heskey, Marlon Harewood and Stern John should have been included in the vote, but we can't please everyone, I'm afraid.
Despite the above results the debate as to whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the true G.O.A.T will never be resolved among fans.
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The Argentinian did, however, add fuel to the fire thanks to the marvelous photography of Carles Carabí.
Messi celebrates his 32nd birthday today and is still going overwhelmingly strong, hitting 50+ goals in a single season for the sixth time last term, while also laying on 22 assists for his teammates.
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The ludicrously gifted chap from Rosario won't be around forever but Messi came up with the most humble response when asked about his legacy by Unisport.
"In the end, everyone will remember and think of you what they want - and they're free to do so," Messi said.
Thoughts on the above poll? Is Lionel Messi the greatest player of all time?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Messi, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Champions League, Argentina, Spanish football, Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga
