Messi is a proven all-time great with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, a 2022 World Cup trophy, and 805+ career goals, while Mbappé at age 27 has 410 goals in 544 games and is positioned as his generational successor with elite speed and goal-scoring consistency.
Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Argentine forward known for dribbling, playmaking, and 8 Ballon d'Or awards.
French forward for Real Madrid, offering versatility as winger, second striker, or lone forward with elite dribbling and creativity.
Career Goals Scored. Ballon d'Or Awards. World Cup Wins. Career Assists. Top Speed (Peak). Career Games Played (as of 2026). Goal-to-Game Ratio
Messi is the greatest footballer of all time with unmatched trophy collection, consistency, and legacy—choose him if evaluating all-time greatness and complete playing record. Choose Mbappé if assessing current peak performance and trajectory as the next generational superstar, though at 27 he has yet to reach Messi's overall achievement level.
Lionel Andrés Messi: 805+ | Kylian Mbappé: 256 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Kylian Mbappé: 0
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 (2022) | Kylian Mbappé: 0
Lionel Andrés Messi: 300+ | Kylian Mbappé: 87 assists
Lionel Andrés Messi: 32.5 | Kylian Mbappé: 35
Lionel Andrés Messi: 900+ | Kylian Mbappé: 544
Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.82 per game | Kylian Mbappé: 0.89
Lionel Andrés Messi: 37 | Kylian Mbappé: 25
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2,600 million (social media followers) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A (person) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years professional career (2004-2025) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 15-20 years (2005-2020 prime years) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: Career total $600,000,000 | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 Ballon d'Or awards | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 awards | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals in 180 appearances | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 title (2022) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 42 assists in 180 games | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Kylian Mbappé: 170 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: 106 goals | Kylian Mbappé: 47 in 80 appearances
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 goal, 3 assists (2022, age 35) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 35 major trophies | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 years (2004-2025) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 8 consecutive (2008-2015) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: Playmaker-forward hybrid; creator of goals for teammates (336+ assists) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 0.73 goals/game | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 titles (2021, 2024) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Successful Dribbles Per Game (Peak Era 2010-2012)
Lionel Andrés Messi: 71% success rate | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 180 appearances | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 820+ goals | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 16 La Liga titles | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 73 goals (2011-12 season) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 Copa América (2021, 2024) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 807 goals | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 192 assists | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 13 years (2008-2021 peak) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 10 titles | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 823 | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 21 (2004-2025) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 2 | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 805 goals | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 1 championship (2022) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 92 goals (2012) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 4 titles | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 58% (2011-2015) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 88% | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: 23 years (2003-2026) | Kylian Mbappé: N/A
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 91
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 32
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: €157M
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: Superior statistical output vs Ronaldo's period
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 2
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 0.63
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 28 goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 87%
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 3.8
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 25 years
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: Roaming forward (playmaker-scorer hybrid)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 300+
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 0.89
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 89
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 37.5
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 6 seasons
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 62%
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 32 titles
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 310+ goals
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 45+ assists
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 1 title
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 0 titles
Estimated Career Games Missed (Injuries)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 35+ games
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 5.1 dribbles
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 33.6
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 44
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 7
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 8
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 8%
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 90
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 0.73
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 1.9
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 37.8
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 44 (all competitions)
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 26
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: 178cm (5'10")
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: $210 million
Lionel Andrés Messi: N/A | Kylian Mbappé: N/A (plays La Liga)
How to choose between Lionel Andrés Messi and Kylian Mbappé
Compare Lionel Andrés Messi vs Kylian Mbappé
Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé. Contains 90 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappé.
Who is the better player right now in 2026?
At their current stages, Mbappé is physically at his peak and significantly more explosive, posting 33 goals in his Real Madrid debut season and being favored for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. However, Messi at 37 remains highly impactful at Inter Miami with elite decision-making and playmaking. For present-day physicality, Mbappé edges him; for all-around complete play, Messi's experience and consistency still rank him higher overall.
Mbappé has matched Messi's goal-scoring pace through age 27 (410 goals vs Messi's comparable output), but he currently lacks Messi's 8 Ballon d'Or awards and World Cup trophy. If Mbappé wins the 2026 World Cup with France and accumulates 4+ more Ballon d'Ors, he could establish himself among football's all-time greats, though Messi's unique consistency over 20+ seasons makes complete parity difficult.
Mbappé is faster, with a peak top speed of 35 km/h recorded in 2023-24 elite league play, compared to Messi's 32.5 km/h. This speed advantage is one of Mbappé's defining attributes and a key differentiator from Messi's more technical, lower-center-of-gravity playing style.
Messi has provided 300+ career assists compared to Mbappé's 176 assists at age 27, demonstrating Messi's superior playmaking output and creative volume. Messi's ability to operate effectively in multiple positions (inside forward, left wing, false 9) has generated more chance-creation opportunities throughout his career.
What does Hugo Lloris think about comparing them?
France legend Hugo Lloris has explicitly rejected direct comparisons, stating Messi is 'unique' and placing him 'at the top of the list of the best players, without a doubt.' Lloris expressed confidence Messi will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing the Argentine's distinct class and unrepeatable career arc.
How to Choose Between Lionel Andrés Messi and Kylian Mbappé
Career Goals Scored: Lionel Andrés Messi has 805+ goals, while Kylian Mbappé has 410 goals (at age 27).
Ballon d'Or Awards: Lionel Andrés Messi has 8 awards, while Kylian Mbappé has 0 awards.
World Cup Wins: Lionel Andrés Messi has 1 (2022), while Kylian Mbappé has 0.
Career Assists: Lionel Andrés Messi has 300+ assists, while Kylian Mbappé has 176 assists (at age 27).
Top Speed (Peak): Lionel Andrés Messi has 32.5 km/h, while Kylian Mbappé has 35 km/h (fastest in top 5 leagues 2023-24).
Consider: Career Games Played (as of 2026)
Career Games Played (as of 2026): Lionel Andrés Messi has 900+ games, while Kylian Mbappé has 544 games.
Goal-to-Game Ratio: Lionel Andrés Messi has 0.89 goals/game, while Kylian Mbappé has 0.75 goals/game.