article_snippet: It is sometimes difficult to evaluate the best of the best when considering players who come from outside the elite footballing countries.
article_snippet: There can be no arguing with the three World Cup glories, the thousand goals, the rare art of making the impossible look simple, nor that extraordinary ability in the air for the comparatively short man who will be guest of honour at Liverpool v Manchester United this Sunday.
article_snippet: And by the way, 1) Pele was also as hard as nails.
article_snippet: Not only as mind-boggling to watch on the ball as Messi but capable of winning the glittering prizes single-handed – as 1) Pele did in lifting Argentina to one World Cup triumph and, when virtually crippled, to the final of another.
article_snippet: Revered as greater than Pele in Brazil, where they worship above all pure, incredible magic on the ball.
article_snippet: Was the divine inspiration for two of his country’s World Cup triumphs, perhaps most notably in 1962 when his assume the mantle of leadership from the injured Pele.
article_snippet: Brazil forward Garrincha (left) was held in higher regard by supporters than the iconic striker Pele .
article_snippet: Garrincha (left)  takes on England player Ray Wilson while in action for Brazil, where he was loved for he skill .
article_snippet: Garrincha (left)   was renowned for he dribbling ability and inspired Brazil to two World Cup victories .
article_snippet: Also the most loved of all Brazilian players, as a bohemian man of the people.
article_snippet: Can be excused the absence of the World Cup from he portfolio, as he played only six times for Argentina before joining Real Madrid, who had he naturalised in the vain hope that he might galvanise a poor Spanish national team.
article_snippet: Alfredo di Stefano (centre) was described as one of the most complete players ever by Pele .
article_snippet: Pele and Eusebio are among many who describe di Striker Alfredo di Stefano (centre) as ‘the most complete footballer of all time.
article_snippet: Exempt from our the European Cup statute by virtue of playing for second-tier Portugal, yet still did more for Cristiano Ronaldo country at Brazil 2014 than Messi for Argentina.
highlights_snippet: Javier Mascherano: I have never seen anything like  