Mbappe Gives Unexpected Answer When Asked to Rank Himself Against Messi, Haaland, Kane

Cristiano Ronaldo never needed anyone to vouch for his place among soccer's all time greats, but every now and then a current superstar reminds the world anyway.

With 143 international goals, five Ballon d'Or trophies and major silverware across England, Spain and Italy, his case has long been closed for most who watch the sport closely. He is also chasing the 1,000 goal mark, a number that would only add to a legacy already considered untouchable by teammates and rivals alike.

That respect showed up in an unexpected place this week, ahead of France's second World Cup matchup against Iraq.

Mbappe Puts Messi and Ronaldo in a League of Their Own

Kylian Mbappe sat down for a press conference and got a loaded question, one asking him to rank himself against Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. His answer skipped right past himself.

"The best among Kane, Haaland, Messi, and me?" Mbappe said, per El Mundo's Abraham P. Romero. "4 players? Lionel Messi! It's clear. He's the best. The best in the world with Cristiano [Ronaldo]. It's clear."

He did not stop there, either, humbly choosing to keep the focus off his own resume entirely.

"Me? I try to do what I can do. I show my quality on the biggest stage, helping my team to win another World Cup. For the rest, it's a debate for the people, debate for the fans," he added.

Mbappé.



"¿El mejor entre Kane, Haaland, Messi y yo?



Messi, está claro. Es el mejor junto a Cristiano"@elmundoespic.twitter.com/L5pNNS30Ti

— Abraham P. Romero (@AbrahamPRomero) June 21, 2026

Ronaldo's name was not even part of the reporter's original list, yet Mbappe brought him up anyway, placing him right alongside Messi at the very top. That answer says plenty about where Mbappe sees the modern game's hierarchy, even with his own credentials growing every season.

Messi was the only name he pulled directly from the list given to him, but pairing Ronaldo with him sent a clear message about who he considers the standard.

It was not a dig at Haaland or Kane, both of whom have built their own cases as elite forwards in this era.

Still, when the conversation turns to the very top of the sport, Mbappe made his view obvious. Fans will keep arguing over Messi versus Ronaldo for years to come, and that debate shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Related: Francisco Conceicao Shuts Down Cristiano Ronaldo 'Obligation' Narrative

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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 6:21 PM.