Insecure Pele dismisses Messi

[Vermilion]

His record includes goals he scored during army games too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2009/11/pele.html

[Rhys]

I really find it hard to compare players from different eras, in the same way Messi hasn't yet done it internationally, Pele didn't play in europe, not that i think for one moment he'd have been anything but a success, but it's hard to compare players like this, especially as it's such a fine line between them too.

The Brazilian league was one of the best leagues in the world during Pele's era, right up there with the leagues in Europe, plus not many Brazilian internationals played abroad during the 50's and 60's, it just wasn't the done thing in those days.

The leagues in Europe are all individually different anyway, the fact he did it on an international level and won three world cups puts him head and shoulders above Messi imo. Messi is only 22 though and has time (and talent) on his side.

[Vermilion]

The Brazilian league was one of the best leagues in the world during Pele's era, right up there with the leagues in Europe, plus not many Brazilian internationals played abroad during the 50's and 60's, it just wasn't the done thing in those days.

The leagues in Europe are all individually different anyway, the fact he did it on an international level and won three world cups puts him head and shoulders above Messi imo. Messi is only 22 though and has time (and talent) on his side.

I'd agree, Messi has his whole career ahead of him, Pele performed at such a consistent level, ahead of his time really, and time is the only thing that will let us truly judge who we think is better out of Messi and Pele, but right now...it's Pele by a mile, for me.

Saying that, Messi is incredible..and will go on to rival Pele and Maradonna in the best 'ever' player stakes. imo.

[CJ]

does the worlds best have to win a world cup ?

[Vermilion]

does the worlds best have to win a world cup ?

Not for me, or play in one really, one day the worlds best player could come from a country that doesn't even qualify for the world cup, so that's a bit of a hindrence if it's part of the criteria used for being judged the best player.

[CJ]

should best be compared to the best ever?

[Guest]

Torres is overrated then!

[red g]

Interesting he brings up his 1000 goals as I have heard people and talk about being best Argentinian first.

I have heard a few people say that garrincha was better than pele but nit really seen much of him to comment.

[Scratch]

I still say fat Ronaldo outshines them all, and proved it at every level. Bollocks to Pele! And Maradona. Messi has a chance of become better, but only if he sustains this rate for the next 4/5 seasons.

[Pablo]

I still say fat Ronaldo outshines them all, and proved it at every level. Bollocks to Pele! And Maradona. Messi has a chance of become better, but only if he sustains this rate for the next 4/5 seasons.

Are you a Manc? The correct term is "proper Ronaldo". And yes, at his peak, at Barca, he was just ridonkulous!

[Scratch]

I ain't a manc, but i live here...they use fat Ronaldo as a way of discrimintaning between the two, i use it as a term of endearment and because, well, lets face it, in the last few years the fella put on a bit of weight.

But yes, i mean proper Ronaldo as opposed to the portugeuse toss-pot.

[Exiled_red]

The 1000 goals thing is a joke, we don't know where they all come from for a start, or the quality of the league etc. Also it was a different game back then, games were typically more high scoring making it much easier for him to score goals. It sounds like he's desperate to hold on to the title of the best player in the world. And from the orignal post he sounds really arrogant!

[Kenneth]

does the worlds best have to win a world cup ?

Clearly not. If the best player in the world was unfortunate enough to be born in say, Finland, winning the world cup would be an incredible task.

[PTP]

there is no doubting that pele was an unbelievable talent - but ****ing hell, i reckon I've scored over 2000 goals in my life, 5 a side, 11 a side, heads and volleys in the playground - if we throw in my goals from sensible soccer up to the current pro evo, I must be tipping the 10’000 mark

I think this comes down to the rivalry between brazil/argentina which is fair enough.........I would bet you that Pele rates Lucas over Messi.

[cannotmakeit]

there is no doubting that pele was an unbelievable talent - but ****ing hell, i reckon I've scored over 2000 goals in my life, 5 a side, 11 a side, heads and volleys in the playground - if we throw in my goals from sensible soccer up to the current pro evo, I must be tipping the 10’000 mark

I think this comes down to the rivalry between brazil/argentina which is fair enough.........I would bet you that Pele rates Lucas over Messi.

Lucas