Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona are three names that regularly feature in debates over the greatest players in football history. But when Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal was asked to choose one of them, he had no hesitation. His choice was Lionel Messi.

In an interview with the Egyptian television program From Cairo, Yamal was asked to pick one player between Messi, Pele and Maradona. He immediately named Messi.

Yamal said, “Judging from what I have seen with my own eyes and on screen, I would choose Messi. For everything he has given to football and continues to give.”

Pele and Maradona also have remarkable achievements in football history. Pele won the World Cup three times with Brazil. He scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for the national team and scored more than 600 goals for club and country combined.

Maradona, meanwhile, played a key role in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup triumph. He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina. His outstanding ability as an attacking midfielder made him one of the greatest players in football history.

Messi’s list of achievements is also extensive. He has scored more than 100 goals for Argentina and has netted more than 900 goals for club and country combined. After a long wait, he also played a key role in helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In addition, Argentina reached the World Cup final under Messi’s leadership in 2014 and most recently in 2026.

Source: Goal.com