Former Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov has named Lionel Messi as the undisputed Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football, highlighting Messi’s extraordinary impact and achievements. In a recent interview, Stoichkov set the record straight on the long-standing debate over football’s best, distinguishing Messi above other celebrated figures such as Pele and Diego Maradona.
Stoichkov’s Bold Declaration on Football’s Greatest Player
During an interview with Marca, Stoichkov was asked to identify the GOAT, and he did not hesitate to choose Lionel Messi. He referred to other football giants, including Pele, Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Franz Beckenbauer, as “myths,” yet placed Messi at the pinnacle of the sport’s history. His statement emphasized the rare greatness that Messi embodies in comparison to those revered names.
“Who is the football GOAT? Pele is a myth, Maradona is a myth, Cruyff is a myth, Beckenbauer is also a myth, rest in peace to them. But today, without a doubt, the greatest myth I have ever seen is Leo Messi.”
—Hristo Stoichkov, Former Barcelona Star
Stoichkov, regarded as Bulgaria’s finest footballer ever, won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1994 and was a key figure in Barcelona’s celebrated ‘Dream Team’ under Johan Cruyff. His perspective carries considerable weight, having witnessed firsthand the evolution of club legends including Cruyff and now Messi.
The Legacy and Achievements of Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s tenure at Barcelona from 2005 to 2021 was marked by unprecedented success, as he helped the club secure 35 trophies while becoming its all-time leading goalscorer with 672 goals. After his departure to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi continued to build on his stellar career and bolster his legacy at the international level.
Messi has also achieved remarkable feats with the Argentina national team, winning three major titles, notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a crowning achievement in his career. Holding a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, Messi’s individual excellence is unmatched in football history.
Messi’s Role in Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Campaign
Currently captaining Inter Miami, Messi faced a challenging start to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as his team was held to a goalless draw by Egyptian side Al Ahly in their opening match. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Messi was unable to score, although he came close with a free kick that narrowly missed and a shot that hit the goal frame late in the game.
Inter Miami, as hosts of the tournament, have set their sights on advancing beyond the early rounds. Messi will aim to lead his team against upcoming opponents Palmeiras and FC Porto, hoping to secure a spot in the Round of 16 and elevate the club’s standing on the world stage.
The Importance of Stoichkov’s Endorsement and What Lies Ahead
Stoichkov’s praise for Messi underscores the Argentine’s standing not only as a living legend but as the defining player of his generation. This endorsement renews conversations about football’s greatest, especially as Messi continues to compete at a high level with Inter Miami and Argentina.
With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup underway, all eyes remain on Messi to see if he can translate his historic brilliance into success for Miami, potentially adding yet another chapter to his extraordinary career. His performance in this tournament could influence how future generations assess his claim to being the ultimate GOAT.