Lionel Messi

What is it that makes Lionel Messi one of the greatest players of all time? Having surpassed 500 career goals for club and country, Barcelona's all-time leading scorer has been setting the world alight ever since his debut in 2004. Players, managers, pundits and fans alike have since continuously heaped lavish praise upon the Argentine forward, who has won nearly everything there is to win in club football. His standing in the world game, among great names like Pele, Johan Cruyff and fellow countryman Diego Maradona, is not in doubt. A beguiling playing style makes it seem like the ball is constantly stuck to his feet, as he weaves through bamboozled defenders with consummate ease. Not one to shy away from the big occasions, the man they call 'The Atomic Flea' has scored in two UEFA Champions League finals but has won four European titles and is now on an insatiable hunt for a fifth.