The 10 best footballers of the 21st century revealed

The 10 best footballers of the 21st century according to popular media outlet, ESPN have been revealed as fans eagerly await a new club football season.

Popular sports media outlet in its latest publication has announced the top 10 best footballers of the 21st century given their current achievements for both club and country.

Describing how the final outcome of the list was created the media brand revealed that the final result was arrived at after voting from top football fans in different parts of the world. The publication stated, "It was no easy feat (and disagreements will surely follow), but after collating together thousands of votes, we present to you our ranking of the best 20 male soccer players of the 21st century -- and five others who just missed the list."

Who is the best footballer of the 21st century?

Highest Paid Footballers In The World 2023 — FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after receiving the Golden Ball award as he celebrates after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo

The list revealed that Argentina captain Lionel Messi is the best footballer of the 21st century. This announcement did not come as a shock to many given the illustrious career of the Inter Miami player.

Messi's triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Argentina is perhaps the most cinematic conclusion the game of football has ever witnessed. After falling short in the 2014 final, it seemed as though Messi might never achieve this pinnacle, despite having won every other major honor for both club and country.