Lionel Messi Named Best Athlete of the 21st Century, Surpasses Ronaldo and Federer

Inter Miami and Argentina icon Lionel Messi has been officially crowned the Best Athlete of the 21st Century, according to a prestigious ranking released by Le Journal de Québec.

(Getty Image)

The Argentine superstar topped the list ahead of global sporting legends from football, tennis, basketball, athletics, and swimming.

Messi’s extraordinary career, marked by sustained excellence, record-breaking achievements, and major international success with Argentina, placed him at the summit of the top 25 athletes of the modern era. Notably, long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo finished outside the top three, ranking 10th overall.

NFL great Tom Brady secured second place following his unmatched success in American football, while Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps completed the top three with his historic medal haul and dominance in the pool.

The list highlights athletes who have not only dominated their respective sports but also defined an era through consistency, influence, and global impact.

Lionel Messi Named Best Athlete of the 21st Century, Surpasses Ronaldo and Federer

Top 10 Athletes of the 21st Century (According to Le Journal de Québec)

Lionel Messi (Soccer – Argentina)

Tom Brady (NFL – United States)

Michael Phelps (Swimming – United States)

Serena Williams (Tennis – United States)

Usain Bolt (Athletics – Jamaica)

LeBron James (Basketball – United States)

Novak Djokovic (Tennis – Serbia)

Simone Biles (Gymnastics – United States)

Kobe Bryant (Basketball – United States)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer – Portugal)

Posted by: Noqib Hasan Bhuiyan