Is Lionel Messi the greatest of all time?

The football world was treated to another stunning performance from Lionel Messi in Barcelona's 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg. Former England striker Gary Lineker labelled him as the "greatest", but is he worthy of that tag?

The best of all time? (AAP) Source: AAP

Here, Press Association Sport's Paul Hirst lists his top 10 players of all time.

1) PELE

Pele's image may have been tarnished somewhat by the vast number of endorsements he has put his name to since retirement, but on the pitch his achievements are unmatched. Three World Cup titles - the first when he was just 17 - some 1281 career goals, and many titles in South America, the record-breaking forward is synonymous with football and Brazil.

2) DIEGO MARADONA

Despite his post-retirement troubles - and that infamous handball against England - Maradona deserves to be regarded as one of the best of all time. Maradona's skill, dribbling ability and balance were second to none and he showed his leadership skills by captaining his country to victory in the 1986 World Cup - in which he also scored arguably the greatest goal in the game's history.

3) LIONEL MESSI

Just edged into third because of Maradona's World Cup triumph, but in a few years' time he could well be top of the pile here. Just like fellow Argentine Maradona, he has great vision, balance and skill. He is also the best finisher in the world. In 2012 he scored a mind-blowing 91 goals.

4) GARRINCHA

The 'little bird' that effortlessly glided across Brazilian pitches in the 1950s and 1960s, while simultaneously causing havoc. Some in Brazil regard the two-time World Cup champion as better than Pele. In a country that has produced its fair share of skilful midfielders, his dribbling skills are regarded as the best.

5) ALFREDO DI STEFANO

The shining star in the Real Madrid team that dominated Spain and Europe in the 1950s and 1960s. Di Stefano scored more than 300 goals across 11 seasons. His feat of scoring in five successive European Cup finals is unlikely to be matched.

6) JOHAN CRUYFF

The man synonymous with the Total Football movement in the Netherlands that was the envy of the world. Renowned for his ease on the ball, Cruyff could trick his way past defenders in the blink of an eye. He also won three successive European Cups with Ajax and made the final of the 1974 World Cup.

7) CRISTIANO RONALDO

The ultimate athlete who would undoubtedly be regarded as the best of his generation had it not been for Messi. The Portuguese combines arrogance with skill, power and an unmatched level of professionalism to win a host of individual awards, as well as silverware for Manchester United and Real Madrid.

8) FRANZ BECKENBAUER

'Der Kaiser' reinvented the way the world looked at football during the 1960s and 1970s. The German was the first man to operate in a sweeper role, thus helping turn defence into attack. Blessed with grace, poise and balance, the 1974 World Cup winner oozed class and was a born leader too.

9) FERENC PUSKAS

Part of the 'Mighty Magyars' who put Hungary on the map at the start of the Cold War. Puskas was a prolific striker who won the Spanish title five years in a row with Real Madrid and also lifted the European Cup three times. Puskas started the 1954 World Cup final - which Hungary lost to West Germany - despite suffering a hairline fracture to his ankle in the semi-finals.

10) EUSEBIO

Ronaldo's rival for the title of Portugal's greatest player, Eusebio was another prolific front man who won the league with Benfica 11 times and also lifted the European Cup in 1962.

How does this list rank against yours?