Messi is now only top scorer of all-time for a major soccer power with no titles

[ASHOOR]

So Messi scored a goal yesterday, helping Argentina beat the US 4-0 and reach the Copa America final. In the process, he also become the all-time leading scorer for Argentina (55 goals in 112 games).

But by becoming his nation's all-time leading scorer, he also became something else that is not very complimentary: he is now the only top leading scorer from the major soccer powers that doesn't have an international title for his country!!!

To be more specific and to simplify the criteria, these major soccer powers are the ones that have won the WC at least once.

France, Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina.

Ok, with the exception of England maybe whose all-time leading scorer is Rooney. He never won any international titles with England, but really, who considers England a soccer power? From these teams listed above, it is probably the last one in ranking (at least how they have faired internationally in the last 50 years, since they won their only world cup)

Here are the top leading scorer for each nation and what they have won:

France: Thierry Henry: 1 WC, 1 Euro Cup, 1 Confederation Cup
Germany: Miroslav Klose : 1 WC
Italy: Luigi Riva: 1 Euro Cup
Spain: David Villa : 1 WC, 1 Euro Cup
Brazil: Pele : 3 WC
Uruguay: Luis Suarez: 1 Copa America
Argentina: Messi : 0 titles!!!!



Again, his international drought may finally coming to an end this Sunday, at 29 years old and after 7 attempts (across 3 World Cups and 4 Copa Americas) or hopefully it continues...

But yeah, not a record Messi wants to be attached to his resume...



ASHOOR

 

[Cascade]

I wonder how jealous Ronaldo fans would feel now.

 

[Crocodile Bani]

Best, Di Stefano, Weah, Puskas, Zico, Baggio, Futre, Eusebio, Gascoigne, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kewell, Cruyff (and many endless great players) did not win a title for their nation.  So what? Especially in Europe where club football is more important than national team football, I don't see anyone dismissing Messi or the other greats.  The above players are worshiped in their own countries and will always be legends in their countries.  Messi may not have the same connection with Argentina's fans as the above players with their respective countries, but I assure you that he will always be a Barca and world football legend.  I disagree that you need to win a title with your country to be regarded as a great player.