Champions League Rival Chooses Lionel Messi Over Kylian Mbappe in Stunning Snub

Marseille skipper Leonardo Balerdi declined to acknowledge Kylian Mbappé as the world's finest player, instead bestowing that honor upon Lionel Messi.

Real Madrid begin their 2025–26 Champions League journey facing Marseille, a familiar foe for Mbappé from his Ligue 1 tenure. The 26-year-old netted 10 times across 16 matches against the French club during his spells with Monaco and Paris-Saint Germain.

Mbappé now has another opportunity to battle Marseille, this time donning the famous white jersey. The French striker enters this European fixture in exceptional form, contributing eight goals and assists combined over his previous six outings for both nation and club.

The forward also eclipsed Thierry Henry's record to claim second place among France's all-time top scorers during September's international fixtures. However, when Balerdi was questioned whether the Real Madrid sensation represents the planet's premier talent currently, he swiftly rejected the notion.

"No, as long as Messi continues playing, Messi remains the world's greatest player," Balerdi told Téléfoot before Marseille's encounter with Real Madrid.

Messi currently chases consecutive Landon Donovan MLS MVP trophies while attempting to guide Inter Miami toward their inaugural MLS Cup triumph. Despite injury setbacks, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient has accumulated 27 goals and 10 assists this campaign.

"However, I'm certain Kylian ranks among the world's elite as well. He's demonstrated this consistently over the years, and this season he's maintaining exceptional standards," Balerdi continued.

Mbappé, who boasts 55 career strikes in Europe's premier competition, requires merely two additional goals to advance further up the Champions League's all-time scoring rankings. Ruud van Nistelrooy represents the next legendary forward the former PSG sensation aims to surpass, achievable with a double against Marseille. Such a performance would also create a deadlock with ex-Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller for joint-sixth position historically. Three additional strikes would secure that ranking outright.

Despite personal achievements beckoning, Mbappé's primary focus involves helping Real Madrid claim maximum points in their Champions League curtain-raiser. Following last season's disappointing quarterfinal elimination, Los Blancos seek a strong start to their inaugural European campaign under Xabi Alonso's guidance.