Lionel Messi has now been ranked amongst the world’s best attackers, with the Inter Miami star joining Cristiano Ronaldo on the list.
The Argentine international has been in fantastic form in 2024, with Messi breaking numerous MLS records with Inter Miami and leading the Herons to top spot in the Supporters Shield standings.
With 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, Messi’s form with Inter Miami has solidified the 36-year-old’s claim as the greatest of all time given the incredible feats the forward has already hit this season.
And Messi has now ranked amongst the world’s best attackers, alongside Ronaldo.
Messi ranked higher than Ronaldo in ESPN’s top attackers list
As per ESPN FC’s 100 list, Messi edges out over Ronaldo by quite some distance in this year’s edition of the attackers category, with the Inter Miami star placing 7th, with his Portuguese rival coming in at 15th.
Given that Messi is approaching one year at Inter Miami, the 36-year-old ranking in the top-ten is nothing short of impressive, especially with Ronaldo breaking goalscoring records in Saudi Arabia.
However, Messi’s 7th-place finish highlights not only how good the former PSG and FC Barcelona superstar has been this season, but also how competitive MLS is compared to the Saudi Pro League.
Indeed, whilst Inter Miami were embarrassed by Al-Nassr in pre-season, the overall quality of MLS is leagues above what Ronaldo is used to in Saudi Arabia, a factor that was likely considered.
Messi is aging like a fine wine since blockbuster MLS move
Messi’s move to MLS last year was one of the biggest in all of soccer, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner proving that he is still one of the best in the world despite his age and the league he is now playing in.
With 25 goals and 16 assists in 29 games for Inter Miami since joining, the Argentine international is showing no sign of slowing down just yet with his new club.
And this year could see Messi add to his trophy cabinet, with Inter Miami the favorites for MLS Cup with a Leagues Cup title defense on the horizon next month.