Messi received 57.2 percent of the vote, Ronaldo 31.1 percent, and Pele and Maradona each received 5.8 percent. The exploits of the Paris Saint-Germain German star are undeniably amazing, with a massive collection of silverware in an overflowing trophy cabinet.
The Argentine has won seven Ballon d'Or awards, more than any other player in history, as well as 10 Spanish crowns, four Champions League titles, and, most recently, his first French trophy with PSG.
As the two players' struggle for individual supremacy enters its final years, he has been a part of a thrilling rivalry with Ronaldo.
The All-Time Greatest Footballer Ronaldo's second-place finish, 26.1 percent behind Messi, seems punitive, especially given that the Portuguese superstar has outperformed his rival in a number of categories.
The 37-year-old may have five fewer Ballon d'Or awards than Messi, but he has more Champions League titles (5) and has won two big international trophies with his country — the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Messi has only won one international prize to date: the Copa América in 2021.
Despite their tremendous talent and impressive exploits, neither player has won the World Cup, probably the most prestigious prize in football.
In 2014, Messi led Argentina to the final, but they were defeated 1-0 in extra time by Germany in the Maracana.
The greatest finish for CR7 in the competition came in 2006, when they finished fourth after losing 1-0 to France in the semi-finals and 3-1 to hosts Germany in the third-place play-off.
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Pele and Maradona, on the other hand, have far more spectacular international records. Pele has won three World Cups, the first of which he won at the age of 17 in 1958. In 1962 and 1970, he won two additional titles.
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics named him World Player of the Century, and he shared the FIFA Player of the Century honor with Maradona.
Meanwhile, Maradona's achievements in leading Argentina to World Cup triumph in 1986 have arguably elevated him beyond Messi on the world stage. At Napoli, he duplicated same feats with an underdog team, winning two Italian crowns and the UEFA Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Messi or Ronaldo can win their first World Cup in Qatar later this year, bolstering their claims to the title of G.O.A.T.
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