The Argentine football maestro has been officially named the Greatest Athlete of the 21st Century by Le Journal de Québec, a recognition that places him above every other sporting icon of the modern era including his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ranking, which lists the 25 most influential athletes across all sports, acknowledges not just trophies and records, but global impact, longevity, and cultural dominance. At the very top stands Messi a name that has come to define greatness itself.
Messi’s unparalleled consistency, historic World Cup triumph, record-breaking club career, and transformative influence on the game have set him apart from every generation. His selection as number one is being hailed as a definitive verdict on modern sporting supremacy.
NFL icon Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, secured second place, while Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 28 medals, ranked third underscoring the scale of competition Messi surpassed.
In a result that has stunned fans worldwide, Cristiano Ronaldo was placed 10th, finishing behind multiple athletes from other disciplines. Despite his legendary football career, Ronaldo ranked below Novak Djokovic, Simone Biles, and the late Kobe Bryant a clear indication of how influence beyond sport weighed heavily in the rankings.
The top tier of the list is filled with names that shaped generations:
Serena Williams, who redefined women’s tennis
Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history
LeBron James, a global basketball powerhouse
Yet none matched Messi’s combination of excellence, longevity, and worldwide resonance.
Top 10 Most Influential Athletes of the 21st Century:
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Lionel Messi (Football – Argentina)
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Tom Brady (NFL – USA)
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Michael Phelps (Swimming – USA)
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Serena Williams (Tennis – USA)
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Usain Bolt (Athletics – Jamaica)
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LeBron James (Basketball – USA)
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Novak Djokovic (Tennis – Serbia)
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Simone Biles (Gymnastics – USA)
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Kobe Bryant (Basketball – USA)
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Football – Portugal)
From football pitches to the global stage, Lionel Messi has become the benchmark for greatness in the 21st century. His dominance is no longer confined to football debates it is now officially recognised across all sports.
This ranking doesn’t just celebrate success. It seals Messi’s place as the defining athlete of a generation.
