The report quotes Mbappe saying: “4 players? Lionel Messi! It's clear. He's the best. The best in the world with Cristiano [Ronaldo]. It's clear,”
That answer places Messi and Ronaldo in a separate bracket from the leading forwards of the current era. Mbappe, Haaland and Kane represent the present conversation, but Mbappe’s decision not to include himself in the hierarchy shows how strongly the previous generation still shapes elite standards.
It also avoids the familiar trap of turning a press-room question into self-promotion. Rather than argue his own case, Mbappe pointed to the pitch and left the ranking debate to supporters.
The Ronaldo mention is particularly significant because he was not included in the original group named in the question. The report cites 143 international goals and five Ballon d’Or awards, figures that help explain why Ronaldo remains a reference point even as younger forwards dominate the conversation.
Messi’s influence is built on control, creation and sustained match-winning production. Ronaldo’s case rests on longevity, scoring power and success across several major leagues. For Mbappe, those achievements appear to represent the standard that current stars must chase rather than simply the next comparison to win.
Haaland’s direct goal threat, Kane’s complete forward play and Mbappe’s pace give the modern debate a different shape. Yet none has fully closed the distance to Messi and Ronaldo’s combined body of work.
Mbappe’s own ranking will ultimately be settled by performances, trophies and decisive moments. His next international tournament and the coming club season will provide the clearest test of whether he remains a respectful challenger-or begins to occupy that historic bracket himself.