Where do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo rank in EPSN’s Top 100 Athletes since 2000?

ESPN recently released their top 25 athletes out of 100 since the turn of the millennium. One of the biggest talking points was where would Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi be ranked. The two stars have dominated the football landscape for nearly the last two decades. Even at the fag end of their career, the two stars are going strong and entertaining the fans. 

It is to be noted that ESPN has ranked Lionel Messi at number 3 with Michael Phelps being ranked number 1 and Serena Williams being ranked two. Lionel Messi was a key part of the Argentina side which had won the Copa America 2024 tournament. 

Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked at 13 which comes as a huge surprise. The Portugal star is still a massive threat in front of goal as seen during his stint with Al Nassr. It is thought that the EURO 2024 will be the final international tournament for CR7 after his side exited from the knockout stages.

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: Two giants of the game 

Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are in the top 25 of the top 100 athletes named by ESPN. The two players are currently playing for Inter Miami FC and Al Nassr. During the peak of their careers, Ronaldo and Messi enjoyed a storied rivalry at Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. 

While the two stars share a genuine respect for each other, the two have battled fiercely on the pitch. Lionel Messi has led his side to the FIFA World Cup win in 2022 and the COPA America title win just last week. 

Cristiano Ronaldo despite a massive success in club football has just the EURO 2016 to show for. As the two stars head into the autumn of their career the fans still show their love when the two come onto the field of play. 

Meanwhile, it has come to light that Lionel Messi had let it known in no uncertain terms to his team to conduct themselves with class. As per reports doing the rounds, a few players sang a questionable chant that has stirred massive outrage. 

Rodrigo De Paul while speaking to the media said "Leo didn't let us sing songs to Brazil on the pitch because he knows how everything works. But in the hotel, in private, it's a different story and he gets on top of the table,"  many have come out and asked Messi to apologize on behalf of his team. It is yet to be seen what the Argentine FA or Lionel Messi say in response to this latest controversy. 

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