The Argentina captain may be revered all over the world for his wizardry but he missed out on top spot despite being the highest placed footballer on the list.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
The poll, conducted by US-based outlet ESPN, garnered more than 70,000 votes as its audience ranked their favourites based on their heroics since 2000.
Sadly for British sport, just one athlete made the cut while 56 American stars ranked within the top 100.
Basketball was the big winner with 24 names placed on the list. Baseball saw 17 entrants with soccer boasting 15.
Football fans will be surprised by Messi’s placing after securing his second Copa America title in July and his staggering impact on US sport since arriving at Inter Miami a year ago.
However, two star names from the world of sport pipped the 37-year-old to the post with tennis star Serena Williams taking second place and Michael Phelps reigning supreme.
Williams dominated the women’s game, winning a staggering 23 Grand Slam titles during her glittering career.
Swimming legend Phelps, won a record 28 Olympic medals with 23 of them gold, over five different games.
Messi finished ten places ahead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo who came 13th with NBA legend LeBron James (fourth), Tom Brady (fifth) and Tiger Woods (eighth) all ranking above the Portuguese.
Ronaldo’s placing will not sit well with his millions of devoted fans who claim the star is the greatest player of all time.
The only British athlete to be named in the top 100 is Lewis Hamilton, whose joint-record seven Formula One titles placed him in 19th.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
