On the soccer pitch, Lionel Messi is renowned for many things—his uncanny close control in tight spaces, his explosive bursts of acceleration that unbalance entire defenses, and his unmatched vision to deliver passes others wouldn’t even attempt.

How do their World Cup legacies compare?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi lead the way for Champions League goals, with Robert Lewandowski now clear in third having brought up his own century while Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah are the latest players to reach 50.

Who has scored the most goals in the history of the Champions League?

As part of our buildup to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we are publishing excerpted chapters from The Soccer 100, The Athletic’s definitive book on the 100 greatest players of all time, courtesy of HarperCollins ...

The FIFA World Cup has witnessed unforgettable goals from generations of superstars. As records have fallen and new stars have emerged, one mark has remained among the most prestigious in international soccer.

Messi, who has 59g/41a since joining the Herons in July 2023, smashed the previous record of 95 games held by Toronto FC legend Sebastian Giovinco. Since his Inter Miami introduction, Messi has wasted no time breaking records and achieving milestones ...

From Messi's glory in 2022 to Maradona's incredible 1986, Michael Cox assesses the best individual performances in World Cup victories