Messi is 35 and Ronaldo is 37. They emerged 20 years ago. The closest talent that the current generation can offer is Mbappe, and he is more one dimensional than either. Can you name someone else under age of 20?
However, watching any random league game from the big five (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France), the standard is very high. Most players are amazingly fit and skillful, control ball extremely well. Teams play with cohesive plans. A lot of nice team movements. It shows that the standard at the professional level has risen considerably in the last few decades.
The downside of course is that it makes games more mechanical and less emotional, and it's harder to tell one team from another.
> Messi having a decent chance of being named the best football player of all times.
There is no such thing. Being considered by many, yes.
However, watching any random league game from the big five (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France), the standard is very high. Most players are amazingly fit and skillful, control ball extremely well. Teams play with cohesive plans. A lot of nice team movements. It shows that the standard at the professional level has risen considerably in the last few decades.
The downside of course is that it makes games more mechanical and less emotional, and it's harder to tell one team from another.
> Messi having a decent chance of being named the best football player of all times.
There is no such thing. Being considered by many, yes.