Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan outperformed Lionel Messi in the TIME100 Reader Poll, once again demonstrating his extravagant popularity. With more than 1.2 million votes cast, the Indian actor received an amazing 4% of the vote to take first place. He outperformed some of the most well-known figures, such as celebrities, CEOs, and even a former president.
Khan’s triumph in the poll is a resounding affirmation of his position as one of the most important persons in the world, not just in India. For more over three decades, he has delighted audiences with his outstanding acting abilities, and his most recent comeback with blockbuster Pathaan has further boosted his stardust.
Lionel Messi fifth most influential personality according to TIME100 Reader Poll
The superstar actor returned to the big screen with a bang after a four-year break, mesmerising his fans. Iranian women rallying for freedom came in second in the vote, demonstrating the strength of individuals working together to effect change. The third-place finishers, the healthcare professionals, were honoured for their crucial services during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Lionel Messi is placed fifth after he led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar last year. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner led from the front, scoring seven goals while dishing out three assists enroute to lifting the coveted trophy. England’s Prince Harry and his wife, actress Meghan Markle are ranked fourth.
In 2022, the football world saw Lionel Messi complete the circle of his remarkable career. The famous moment when the Argentine superstar won the World Cup trophy in December while dressed in a traditional Qatari robe cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats. Every major club and individual award has been won by Lionel Messi now, who has also broken records and mesmerised spectators with his brilliance and play. His inclusion on TIME’s list of the most influential people comes as no surprise.
However, the 35-year-old’s future at PSG has come in doubt after the recent friction with the clubs’ fans. Messi was booed by the PSG ultras during the Parisian’s recent 1-0 defeat at home to Lyon in the Ligue 1. However, it was not the first time Messi was booed and whistled by his own fans. The incidents have occurred rather consistently since he moved from FC Barcelona to Parc des Princes in the summer of 2021.
The Argentine captain’s future is still heavily rumoured as time runs out on his current deal with the French champions, as the possibility of his reunion with Barcelona suddenly appearing realistic. The Catalans too have teased a move for their all-time topscorer, with Mateu Alemany, the club’s director of football, refusing to rule out the idea of Lionel Messi re-joining the Camp Nou team during the forthcoming summer transfer window.