Kylian Mbappé said Lionel Messi is the best player in the world alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during a press conference on Monday [1].
The comments come as the French national team captain prepares for a high-stakes group-stage match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By acknowledging the two veterans, Mbappé reinforces a long-standing debate about football's greatest players while focusing on his own leadership role in the tournament.
Speaking at Lincoln Field in Philadelphia, Mbappé addressed questions from the international press regarding the top talent in the sport [1], [4]. He said, "Messi es el mejor del mundo junto a Cristiano Ronaldo" [1]. The French captain did not hesitate in his assessment, aligning himself with the view that both players share the title of the world's best [2], [3].
The press conference took place on June 22, 2026 [1], as a precursor to France's second group-stage match against Iraq [2]. This fixture represents a critical point in the tournament's early phase, where momentum and psychological confidence are paramount for the French squad.
Throughout the session, Mbappé maintained a focused demeanor while navigating questions about his predecessors. He said that the best is Messi, together with Cristiano Ronaldo [2]. This public endorsement of the two icons highlights the influence these players have had on the current generation of stars, including Mbappé himself, as they compete on the global stage in the U.S.
The match against Iraq serves as the second round of the group stage [2]. As France looks to advance, the captain's remarks serve as a reminder of the standard of excellence required to win a World Cup title.
“"Messi es el mejor del mundo junto a Cristiano Ronaldo"”
Mbappé's decision to name both Messi and Ronaldo as the best players reflects a diplomatic approach to one of football's most divisive debates. By refusing to choose a single 'greatest,' the France captain avoids alienating different fan bases and acknowledges the dual legacy of the two most dominant players of the modern era. This occurs at a time when Mbappé is positioning himself as the primary face of the sport's next generation.
