5 of football's greatest generational talents of all time

#1. Lionel Messi

Messi has brought joy to millions of football fans

Whenever the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) conversations are being had, Messi's name is always in the mix. This is because, minus Maradona, the world has never seen a player like him before. La Pulga Atomica has become a part of highlight reels across the globe and a symbol for a generation of footballers and fans.

From the moment he began to kick a ball back home in hilly Rosario, the special nature of little Leo had caught the local community’s attention.

His health issues have turned out to be a blessing in disguise for himself, his family and FC Barcelona.

A one-club man like Maldini, an Argentine hero like Maradona and Ronaldo’s fierce rival, it is easier to mention what he has not won at club level as listing what he has won will take considerable time

At this juncture, it is safe to say that by the time he retires (hopefully not until he is 60), he would have become the greatest footballer in the storied history of the Blaugrana.

His rivalry with Ronaldo is one that has held the world spellbound over the last decade. It has redefined what it means to score goals with 50+ seasons the standard by which players (not just strikers) are now judged.

Like Maldini, he has been desperately unlucky in terms of winning trophies at the national level. Three final appearances in three consecutive tournaments ending in tears and misery.