Carlos Alcaraz sets record straight after forgetting to include Messi among top 5 soccer players of all time

Few debates ignite global discussion quite like determining the greatest soccer players of all time. The conversation transcends borders and even sports themselves, as athletes from other disciplines often weigh in with their own rankings. Recently, Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz revealed his top five with the surprising absence of Lionel Messi.

In a lighthearted social media video for Overtime Tennis, Alcaraz was asked to name his top five players of all time. Without hesitation, he listed Cristiano Ronaldo at No. 1, followed by Sergio Ramos, Luka Modrić, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.

It didn’t take long for fans to notice the glaring omission: Lionel Messi. The absence of the Argentine legend quickly sparked controversy, with social media comment sections flooded with reactions, and the story gaining traction in various outlets.

Realizing the stir he had caused, Alcaraz took to the comments of the same post to clarify his stance. “I can’t believe I said those five and forgot Messi and a few others. I could name a completely different five right now,” wrote the Spaniard, offering a lighthearted apology to help defuse the situation and shift the focus back to his primary sport—tennis.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on during the second half of a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup second leg match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami.

How athletes’ opinions on other sports shape public debate

Alcaraz’s ranking and subsequent backtrack highlight a recurring phenomenon in the sports world: when high-profile athletes comment on sports outside their own, their words often carry significant weight, sparking intense debates among fans and media. This isn’t the first time a prominent athlete has weighed in on a different sport and caused a stir.

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Take NBA superstar LeBron James, for example. The Los Angeles Lakers forward has frequently expressed his admiration for football and even considered playing in the NFL. During the NBA lockout in 2011, James revealed on the New Heights podcast, hosted by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, that he seriously contemplated trying out for an NFL team, emphasizing his lifelong passion for the sport and how it shaped his athletic development.

James has also been outspoken about the state of the NFL, including his criticism of playing conditions. His opinions have fueled discussions about player safety and the league’s standards, proving that even comments from athletes outside a given sport can influence its narrative.

Should we read too much into these comments?

Instances like these underscore how the opinions of athletes—regardless of their primary sport—can impact public discourse. Their perspectives can shape narratives, generate viral discussions, and even influence how fans view certain players or leagues.

At the same time, these rankings and takes should often be taken with a grain of salt. Athletes may have personal biases, friendships, or simply name players they grew up admiring, rather than making an objective list.

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Still, the crossover of opinions between sports continues to enrich the broader sports conversation, in this case the soccer, reinforcing the universal appreciation for athletic greatness across all disciplines.