Thierry Henry Leaves Lionel Messi Out of His Top 5 Greatest Footballers

Thierry Henry, one of the most iconic players of the early 21st century, recently sparked controversy by excluding Lionel Messi from his list of the top five footballers in history. Instead, Henry included less frequent names such as Johan Cruyff and Michael Laudrup, surprising fans given his history with the Argentine star.

The French striker, who debuted in 1994 with AS Monaco and enjoyed a remarkable career across Europe with clubs like Juventus, Arsenal (where he is considered a legend), and Barcelona, played alongside Messi during his tenure with the Catalan club from 2007 to 2010.

Achievements with Messi but a mixed Barcelona tenure

Henry and Messi shared numerous successes during their three seasons together at Barcelona, winning the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League, two La Liga titles (2009 and 2010), and a historic sextuple in 2009, which included the Club World Cup, Copa del Rey, European Super Cup, and Spanish Super Cup.

Despite these accomplishments, Henry's time at Barcelona was marked by inconsistency. After an impressive debut season with 19 goals, his form declined significantly, managing just four goals in the 2009-10 campaign. This drop in performance ultimately led to his early departure from Barcelona, as he moved to Major League Soccer to play for the New York Red Bulls.

Fan reactions and possible reasons for Messi's omission

Fans and analysts alike were puzzled by Henry’s decision to leave Messi out of his top five, particularly given their shared success at Barcelona. Many expected Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, to be a staple in such rankings.

While Henry has not publicly explained his choices, some speculate that his personal experiences during his Barcelona stint, coupled with his admiration for more unconventional footballing figures like Cruyff and Laudrup, may have influenced his decision.

Henry’s legacy and unique perspective

As a player, Henry left an indelible mark on football, particularly at Arsenal, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer and a global icon. His time at Barcelona, though successful, did not reach the same individual heights, which may have shaped his views on Messi’s place in football history.

• Thierry Henry excluded Lionel Messi from his list of the top five footballers in history, favoring Johan Cruyff and Michael Laudrup instead.
• Henry and Messi shared three seasons at Barcelona, achieving historic success, including the 2008-09 Champions League and a 2009 sextuple.
• Henry’s Barcelona tenure saw a decline in form, leading to his early departure for the New York Red Bulls in the MLS.
• Fans were surprised by Messi’s omission, as he is often considered one of the greatest players of all time.
• Henry's unique perspective may stem from personal experiences and a preference for unconventional football legends.