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While clubs have taken centre stage in recent years, it is worth noting that most of the history-defining moments of the sport have been produced at international tournaments by players who will remain in our memories forever.
The FIFA World Cup remains football's most prestigious competition. It is every player's dream to represent his nation in the iconic tournament. The Copa America, Euros and AFCON are also known to produce incredible spectacles. For those who have won these tournaments, no feeling in the world compares to what they felt while hoisting the trophy.
International football has been one of the most important parameters with which greatness will be judged in the sport and will continue to do so. That is why the most iconic footballers in history always tend to put forth their best in their national team jerseys.
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Despite many legendary players impressing for their countries over the years, only a handful can be considered among the greatest. On that note, here's a look at the top five:
#5 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi etched his name into the history books when he finally led Argentina to the Copa America 2021 title this summer.
The playmaker was in superb form, leading his team from the front. He finished as the top goalscorer (four goals), top assist provider (five assists) and was named the best player of the tournament.
Messi's record with Argentina speaks for itself. The attacker has an impressive tally of 76 goals for the Albiceleste, and is their all-time top scorer.
His honours with the national team comprise a FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, two Copa America Golden Balls, one Copa America Golden Shoe, among others. It's worth adding that Lionel Messi has the most Ballon d'Or awards (6) by any player in history.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the greatest goalscorer in the history of international football. He currently has the most goals scored for a men's national team in history (109), a record he shares with Iran's Ali Daei.
Ronaldo's exploits with Portugal are truly impressive. He led his nation to Euro 2016 glory and followed that up with the UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019. The winger was the joint top scorer at Euro 2020 and was the Golden Boot winner. He has five Ballon d'Or awards in his cabinet.
#3 Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)
The Brazilian Ronaldo is arguably the most complete striker the football world has ever seen. His dribbling, pace, skills and tricks made him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
Ronaldo is one of a handful of players to have won the FIFA World Cup on two occasions (1994 and 2002). He is the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the competition (15 goals) and also claimed the Golden Shoe twice.
He ended his career with 62 goals for Brazil in 98 games, helping the Selecao to two Copa America titles and one Confederations Cup. His individual accolades include three FIFA Player of the Year awards, two Ballon d'Ors and six top scorers' honours, among others.
#2 Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Diego Maradona passed away at the age of 60 last year,, but his legacy will stand forever. The Argentine was a huge force to reckon with during his days on the pitch, and it wouldn't be far-fetched to say he's the most influential footballer ever.
Maradona's heroics at the FIFA World Cup in 1986 might never be replicated by any player. Never has anyone dominated the prestigious tournament in that fashion. The diminutive playmaker had a massive tally of ten goal contributions (five goals and five assists), running riot on the pitch and single-handedly leading his nation to the trophy.
His wonder goal against England in the quarter-finals of the tournament was named the goal of the century. He picked up the ball from his own half and dribbled past half the English team before beating the goalkeeper with a cool finish. He was awarded the FIFA Golden Ball for his spectacular displays.
#1 Pele (Brazil)
Most people on the planet right now didn't have the privilege of watching Pele in action. But they are quick to mention his name whenever the debate for the greatest footballer in history comes up. Such is the reputation of this man!
Pele had one of the most explosive starts to a football career ever seen. The Brazilian became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup when he fired three past France in the 1958 semis. A few days later, he scored a brace in the final, becoming the youngest player ever to do that.
He won a record three FIFA World Cups and also holds the record for the most participation (4). Pele holds the records for most goals (1283) and hat-tricks (92) too. He ended his national-team career with 77 goals in 92 games and remains the Selecao's all-time top scorer.
