Top 5 : The most influential footballers in their own countries

5. Lionel Messi in Argentina

Only footballer to be listed by the Times in the list of their 100 most influential persons alive. Messi is regarded as the best living footballer and perhaps the best ever born. Popularly known to be a footballer with avant-garde dribbling and sprinting abilities, he won the 2009 Ballon dór award and FIFA Player of the Year award, 2010 and 2011 winner of the FIFA Ballon Dór and the 2010-11 award for the UEFA Best Player in Europe. .

Messi surrounded by fans

Sportspro rated him as the third most marketable sports person. Messi has a net worth of 100 million dollars and is the third richest footballer behind David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi also is an active charity raiser. The Leo Messi Foundation has offered Argentine children diagnosed with illnesses treatment in Spain and funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs. Messi, alongside Fernando Torres, was used as the face for Pro evolution soccer 2008.

A few more you can’t forget :

1. Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal.

2. Landon Donavan in USA.

3. John Terry in England.