Khaberni - Argentine football star and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi tops the list of the best athletes of the 21st century, surpassing his rivals from various sports, in a ranking prepared by the Canadian newspaper (Le Journal de Quebec).
The ranking, which included the top 25 athletes and past stars who made their mark in the last two decades, features prominent international names. American football star Tom Brady, a seven-time champion, took second place, while former American swimmer Michael Phelps, who holds the record for most Olympic medals with 28, ranked third. They were followed by tennis player Serena Williams, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, and American basketball star LeBron James.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's eternal rival, ranked tenth.
Why Messi?
The Canadian newspaper based its choice of Messi as the best athlete of the 21st century following his leadership of Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, a title he will defend should he decide to participate in the 2026 tournament.
On December 6, 2025, Messi led Inter Miami to its first championship in Major League Soccer.
In addition, Messi won the Golden Boot award and was named Best Player of the Season twice in a row, and he will continue with the club until 2028.
His achievements also include 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
The ranking of the best athletes is as follows:
1. Lionel Messi (Football - Argentina).
2. Tom Brady (Rugby - United States).
3. Michael Phelps (Swimming - United States).
4. Serena Williams (Tennis - United States).
5. Usain Bolt (Athletics - Jamaica).
6. LeBron James (Basketball - United States).
7. Novak Djokovic (Tennis - Serbia).
8. Simone Biles (Gymnastics - United States).
9. Kobe Bryant (Basketball - United States).
10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football - Portugal).
The list also included legends such as former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, his Swiss rival Roger Federer, as well as current stars like American basketball player Stephen Curry, British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, and American football player Patrick Mahomes.
This ranking once again confirms Messi's global status as one of the greatest athletes of the modern era, surpassing the top stars in football and other sports.
