Yes there is.
And I rank him no worse than top 2. But Pele can challenge anyone.
If Pele hasn't stayed his entire career in South America, we wouldn't even discuss it.
But since he did stay, Messi has a rightful challenge for GOAT. But in no way is it obvious.
I often wondered why Pele didn't leave for Europe after WC 1962, maybe it was because of his injury? He was young, not married, no kids, was considered the best player in the world. Di Stefano and Puskas were getting up there agewise, nearing their last years with Real Madrid. Seems like it would have been the perfect surroundings to go into. Or if it was language issue for him, then Benfica was great at that time as well, even if the money in Portugal wouldn't have been as good. Copa Libertadores 1962 final was in September 1962, he easily could have moved after that.
I suppose Italy would have otherwise been an option, but the style of their club football must not have been that appealing for a player like Pele.
And with the military coup in Brazil in 1964, I would have thought Pele leaving for sure. After 1963, he had nothing new to win in Brazil and South America.
Even if Pele didn't win anything in club football after WC 1970 and and was a shadow of himself at the age of 30+, some top team in Europe surely would have wanted him after the WC. Although his global reputation probably would have suffered a lot more than it did, if he had played in Europe between 1970 -1974.