It’s not the best moment for Kylian Mbappe. Despite winning the Pichichi Trophy for a second-consecutive season, Mbappe had to watch as PSG won its first two Champions Leagues in its history right after he left. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is going through a tumultuous period.
But the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents an incredible opportunity. Mbappe and France want to become the third team in tournament history to make three straight World Cup Finals. This time around, Mbappe wants to win it for the second time in his career, which would be a stunning accomplishment at 27 years old. In order to do that, Mbappe may have to get past two legends of the game: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Kylian Mbappe can’t choose a favorite between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Naturally, as he prepares for the World Cup, Mbappe was asked about both players in an interview with Sorare. Mbappe was asked who he prefers as a player. He gave a diplomatic answer, refusing to choose one over the other due to them being “very different”. But he also decided to attack a false narrative surrounding both players: That Messi is purely talent and Cristiano is purely hard work.
Without sounding condescending, that is something only someone who hasn’t played soccer would say. That isn’t something a true soccer person would say. Because if you tell me Ronaldo lacks talent or Messi hasn’t put in the work, it means you’ve never in your life laced up your boots to train day in and day out. I can’t fathom lacing up your boots every day and still thinking that way. I’m speaking from the heart.
Mbappe also spoke about the “rivalry” between Messi and Ronaldo, explaining that it was iconic because they contrasted each other almost perfectly: “One is right-footed, the other left-footed. One is tall, the other shorter. One is stronger, the other leaner. One has better finishing, the other more vision.”
The World Cup will have all three of these immense talents on display. Only one of them could come away with the trophy, or another nation standing in their way.
