Mbappé vs Messi in 2026
type: Article
description: Mbappé is in his physical and competitive prime at 27 years old with superior athleticism and goal-scoring rate, while Messi at 39 years old remains a playmaking genius but with declining pace and endurance after transitioning to MLS.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-06T17:45:27.137Z
date created: 2026-07-06T17:45:27.137Z
date modified: 2026-07-06T17:45:27.175Z
content reference time: 2026-07-06T17:45:27.175Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Kylian Mbappé
about: Lionel Messi
abstract: Mbappé is in his physical and competitive prime at 27 years old with superior athleticism and goal-scoring rate, while Messi at 39 years old remains a playmaking genius but with declining pace and endurance after transitioning to MLS.
text: Age & Physical Prime. Sprint Speed (top speed). Career Goals (2025 season). Recent League Performance (2024-25). Weekly Training Load Tolerance. Injury Absence Rate (2024-25). Career Trophies Won
conclusion text: Choose Mbappé if you need a player for peak athletic performance, explosive pace-based attack, and sustained elite-level output over the next 5+ years—he offers superior physical capabilities and consistency in top-5 leagues. Choose Messi if you value footballing intelligence, creative play-making, and leadership experience despite age limitations, though his realistic utility in 2026 is reduced compared to his prime.
additional property: Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 182cm | Lionel Messi: 170
additional property: Sprint Speed Rating (FIFA/EA Sports)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 91 | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: International Goals Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 32 | Lionel Messi: 97 goals
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Current Market Value (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: €157M | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Real Madrid First 90 Games Comparison
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: Superior statistical output vs Ronaldo's period | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 2 | Lionel Messi: 3
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Career Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 410 (age 27) | Lionel Messi: 807
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 0 (best finish: 6th, 2024) | Lionel Messi: 8
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 0 | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Career Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 68 assists | Lionel Messi: 321
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Top Speed (Peak)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 35 | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Games Played (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 544 | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Goals Per Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 0.75 | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 0.63 | Lionel Messi: 0.79
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Champions League Goals (Career)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 28 goals | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Penalty Conversion Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 87% | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Dribbles Per 90 Minutes
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 3.8 | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Current Age (2025-26 Season)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 25 years | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Preferred Playing Style
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: Roaming forward (playmaker-scorer hybrid) | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Current Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 27 | Lionel Messi: 39
  value reference: Kylian Mbappé
additional property: Top Speed Recorded
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 44 km/h | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Career Goals (All Competitions)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 170 goals | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: International Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 47 (89 caps) | Lionel Messi: 106
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Dribbling Success Rate (2025-26)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 62% | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Major Trophies Won
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 23 (4 Ligue 1, 1 Champions League, 1 Copa del Rey, 17 others) | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Career Goals (as of 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 310+ goals | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: International Assists (Career Total)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 45+ assists | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: World Cup Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 1 title | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Continental Championships
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 0 titles | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Estimated Career Games Missed (Injuries)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 35+ games | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Dribbles per 90 Minutes (Average)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 5.1 dribbles | Lionel Messi: N/A
additional property: Peak Sprint Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 33.6 | Lionel Messi: 28.4
  value reference: Kylian Mbappé
additional property: 2024-25 Season Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 44 | Lionel Messi: 16
  value reference: Kylian Mbappé
additional property: 2024-25 Season Assists
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 7 | Lionel Messi: 10
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Major Career Trophies
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 8 | Lionel Messi: 44
  value reference: Lionel Messi
additional property: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 8% | Lionel Messi: 12%
  value reference: Kylian Mbappé
additional property: Optimal Match Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: 90 | Lionel Messi: 68
  value reference: Kylian Mbappé
additional property: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 8
additional property: Champions League Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 4
additional property: World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 1
additional property: FIFA World Cup Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 1 (2022)
additional property: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 71
additional property: International Appearances
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 180 matches
additional property: Goals for Single Club
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 643 (Barcelona)
additional property: Playing Career Span
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 34 (1992-2026)
additional property: Copa America Titles
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 2 (2021, 2024)
additional property: Total Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 672 goals
additional property: Peak Dribble Success Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 67%
additional property: Leagues Won at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 4 leagues
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/kylian-mbapp
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/kylian-mbapp
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/lionel-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/lionel-messi
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/mbappe-vs-messi-2026)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/mbappe-vs-messi-2026)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-neymar)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/cristiano-ronaldo-vs-kylian-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-pele
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-kylian-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/haaland-vs-mbappe
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo-landscape
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/lionel-messi-vs-neymar
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/messi-vs-ronaldo
teaches: How to choose between Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi
genre: Sports

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Kylian Mbappé
type: Person
alternate name: KM
alternate name: Kylian Mbapp
language: en-US
description: French forward, Real Madrid's primary striker with elite athleticism and goal-scoring prowess
image: ImageObject
  caption: Kylian Mbappé
subject of: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026
image: ImageObject
  caption: Kylian Mbappé

Lionel Messi
type: Person
alternate name: LM
language: en-US
description: Argentine legend, former Barcelona icon now at Inter Miami in MLS at age 39
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Messi
subject of: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026
image: ImageObject
  caption: Lionel Messi

Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mbappé vs Messi in 2026. Contains 69 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
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  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
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distribution: Related comparisons JSON
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variable measured: Height
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  value reference: Physical Attributes
variable measured: Sprint Speed Rating (FIFA/EA Sports)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: International Goals Scored
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variable measured: Current Market Value (2026)
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variable measured: Real Madrid First 90 Games Comparison
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variable measured: Champions League Titles
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variable measured: Career Goals
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variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
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variable measured: World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Career Assists
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variable measured: Top Speed (Peak)
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variable measured: Games Played (Career)
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variable measured: Goals Per Game Ratio
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  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Career Goals-Per-Game Ratio
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variable measured: Champions League Goals (Career)
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variable measured: Penalty Conversion Rate
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Dribbles Per 90 Minutes
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variable measured: Current Age (2025-26 Season)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Preferred Playing Style
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variable measured: Current Age
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variable measured: Top Speed Recorded
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variable measured: Career Goals (All Competitions)
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variable measured: International Goals
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variable measured: Dribbling Success Rate (2025-26)
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variable measured: Major Trophies Won
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variable measured: Career Goals (as of 2026)
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variable measured: International Assists (Career Total)
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variable measured: World Cup Championships
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variable measured: Continental Championships
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variable measured: Estimated Career Games Missed (Injuries)
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variable measured: Dribbles per 90 Minutes (Average)
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variable measured: Peak Sprint Speed
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variable measured: 2024-25 Season Goals
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variable measured: 2024-25 Season Assists
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variable measured: Major Career Trophies
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variable measured: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Optimal Match Duration
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variable measured: Ballon d'Or Awards
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Champions League Titles
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  value reference: Trophies
variable measured: World Cup Titles
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Titles
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variable measured: Direct Free-Kicks Scored
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  value reference: Specialty Skills
variable measured: International Appearances
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variable measured: Goals for Single Club
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  value reference: Club Performance
variable measured: Playing Career Span
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  value reference: Longevity
variable measured: Copa America Titles
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  value reference: Continental Honours
variable measured: Total Career Club Goals
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  value reference: Scoring
variable measured: Peak Dribble Success Rate
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  value reference: Technical Skills
variable measured: Leagues Won at Elite Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Team Achievements
variable measured: Career Length at Elite Performance
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: UEFA Champions League Titles
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variable measured: FIFA World Cup Achievements
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variable measured: Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
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variable measured: Peak Transfer Market Value
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  value reference: Commercial Value
variable measured: Instagram Followers
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variable measured: Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
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variable measured: Career Club Goals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Goal Scoring
variable measured: Vertical Jump Height
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Athleticism
variable measured: Peak Goals Per Season Average
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: La Liga Championships
variable measured: FIFA World Cup Wins
variable measured: Total Career Trophies
variable measured: World Cup Wins
variable measured: Peak Performance Duration
variable measured: 1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
variable measured: FIFA World Cups Won
variable measured: Dribbles Per Match
variable measured: Career Span
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mbappe-vs-messi-2026)

Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mbappé vs Messi in 2026.
has defined term: Physical Attributes
has defined term: Athletic Performance
has defined term: International Performance
has defined term: Financial Value
has defined term: Club Performance
has defined term: Major Trophies
has defined term: Goal-Scoring
has defined term: Individual Honours
has defined term: Creativity
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Historical Performance
has defined term: Competition Performance
has defined term: Finishing
has defined term: Ball Carrying
has defined term: Career Stage
has defined term: Tactical Role
has defined term: Physical Profile
has defined term: Offensive Output
has defined term: Technical Skills
has defined term: Collective Achievements
has defined term: Offensive Production
has defined term: Playmaking
has defined term: Durability
has defined term: Technical Skill
has defined term: Performance Metrics
has defined term: Achievement
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Physical Capacity
has defined term: Awards
has defined term: Trophies
has defined term: Tournament Achievement
has defined term: Specialty Skills
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Continental Honours
has defined term: Scoring
has defined term: Team Achievements
has defined term: Team Honours
has defined term: International Honors
has defined term: Scoring Record
has defined term: Commercial Value
has defined term: Social Media Reach
has defined term: Athleticism
has defined term: Club Trophies
has defined term: International Trophies
has defined term: Team Success
has defined term: Tournament Success
has defined term: Career Longevity
has defined term: Tournament Impact

Physical Attributes
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-attributes
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Athletic Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: athletic-performance
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-performance
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-value
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-performance
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Major Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: major-trophies
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Goal-Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: goal-scoring
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
name: Goal Scoring

Individual Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: individual-honours
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Creativity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creativity
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: experience
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Historical Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: historical-performance
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Competition Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: competition-performance
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Finishing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: finishing
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ball Carrying
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ball-carrying
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Stage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-stage
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tactical Role
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tactical-role
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Profile
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-profile
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-output
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Skills
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-skills
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Collective Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collective-achievements
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Offensive Production
type: DefinedTerm
term code: offensive-production
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Playmaking
type: DefinedTerm
term code: playmaking
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Durability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: durability
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technical Skill
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technical-skill
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance Metrics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance-metrics
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: achievement
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Availability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: availability
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Physical Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: physical-capacity
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Awards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: awards
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: trophies
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Achievement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-achievement
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Specialty Skills
type: DefinedTerm
term code: specialty-skills
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Continental Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: continental-honours
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Achievements
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-achievements
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Honours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-honours
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Honors
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-honors
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scoring Record
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scoring-record
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Commercial Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: commercial-value
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Social Media Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: social-media-reach
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Athleticism
type: DefinedTerm
term code: athleticism
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Club Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: club-trophies
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

International Trophies
type: DefinedTerm
term code: international-trophies
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Team Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: team-success
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Success
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-success
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Career Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: career-longevity
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tournament Impact
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tournament-impact
in defined term set: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-06T17:45:27.175Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: mbappe-vs-messi-2026)
main entity: Who is the better player in 2026?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Mbappé is objectively the better player in 2026 from a pure performance standpoint due to his age (27), superior athleticism (33.6 km/h sprint speed), and recent output (44 La Liga goals vs Messi's 16 MLS goals in 2024-25). However, Messi remains more intelligent and creative; the gap depends on league quality and role. In elite European competition, Mbappé significantly outperforms. In lower-intensity possession systems, Messi's playmaking is still valuable.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can Messi still compete at the highest level in 2026?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi can contribute meaningfully at the highest level but with severe limitations. At 39, his 12% injury absence rate, 28.4 km/h sprint speed, and 60-75 minute optimal duration restrict him to specific scenarios: late-game tactical introductions, possession-heavy systems, or leagues below top-5 standard. His creative intelligence remains elite, but physical demands of Champions League football (high-intensity pressing, 90-minute expectations) make him a supplementary rather than primary contributor.
    language: en-US
main entity: How do their 2024-25 statistics compare fairly given different leagues?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Mbappé's 44 La Liga goals and 7 assists occur in the world's 2nd-ranked league with extreme defensive intensity; Messi's 16 MLS goals and 10 assists occur in a league ranked 25th globally with significantly lower defensive pressure. Adjusting for league strength (La Liga ≈ 2.75x defensive difficulty vs MLS), Messi's MLS output would project to ~44 La Liga goals—mathematically equivalent. However, actual match footage shows Mbappé sustains this over 90 minutes with higher intensity; Messi reaches similar numbers in 60-70 minute windows in a softer league.
    language: en-US
main entity: Who will have the better next 3 years (2026-2029)?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Mbappé will significantly outperform over 2026-2029. At 27-30 years old, he enters or maintains his physical prime with typically 8-10 peak years remaining for elite athletes. Messi at 39-42 faces compounding age effects: velocity decline accelerates post-38, injury recovery lengthens, and match availability typically reduces 15-20% every 2 years after 38. Unless Mbappé sustains catastrophic injury, he will accumulate 120+ goals vs Messi's estimated 40-60 in the same period.
    language: en-US
main entity: Has Messi's MLS move permanently reduced his peak performance level?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Messi's MLS performance represents strategic optimization rather than permanent decline. His 16 goals + 10 assists in a lower-intensity league demonstrates he could likely produce 35-40 goals if returned to La Liga at age 39—still elite. However, the psychological and physical adjustment to MLS (lower pressing, slower pace) means re-adapting to European intensity would be challenging. The move hasn't degraded his skills permanently but has reduced competitive sharpness for top-level football; he's chosen controlled dominance over elite struggle.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi
type: HowTo
description: Mbappé is in his physical and competitive prime at 27 years old with superior athleticism and goal-scoring rate, while Messi at 39 years old remains a playmaking genius but with declining pace and endurance after transitioning to MLS.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Age & Physical Prime
step: Consider: Sprint Speed (top speed)
step: Consider: Career Goals (2025 season)
step: Consider: Recent League Performance (2024-25)
step: Consider: Weekly Training Load Tolerance
step: Consider: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
step: Consider: Career Trophies Won
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Mbappé if you need a player for peak athletic performance, explosive pace-based attack, and sustained elite-level output over the next 5+ years—he offers superior physical capabilities and consistency in top-5 leagues. Choose Messi if you value footballing intelligence, creative play-making, and leadership experience despite age limitations, though his realistic utility in 2026 is reduced compared to his prime.

Consider: Age & Physical Prime
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Age & Physical Prime: Kylian Mbappé has 27 years old, while Lionel Messi has 39 years old.

Consider: Sprint Speed (top speed)
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Sprint Speed (top speed): Kylian Mbappé has 33.6 km/h, while Lionel Messi has 28.4 km/h.

Consider: Career Goals (2025 season)
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Career Goals (2025 season): Kylian Mbappé has 78 goals in 124 games (0.63 per match), while Lionel Messi has 807 career goals (0.79 per match historical).

Consider: Recent League Performance (2024-25)
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Recent League Performance (2024-25): Kylian Mbappé has 44 goals + 7 assists in La Liga, while Lionel Messi has 16 goals + 10 assists in MLS.

Consider: Weekly Training Load Tolerance
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Weekly Training Load Tolerance: Kylian Mbappé has 90+ minutes regularly, while Lionel Messi has 60-75 minutes optimal.

Consider: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Injury Absence Rate (2024-25): Kylian Mbappé has 8% of games missed, while Lionel Messi has 12% of games missed.

Consider: Career Trophies Won
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Career Trophies Won: Kylian Mbappé has 8 trophies, while Lionel Messi has 44 trophies.

Mbappé vs Messi in 2026
type: SportsEvent
description: Mbappé is in his physical and competitive prime at 27 years old with superior athleticism and goal-scoring rate, while Messi at 39 years old remains a playmaking genius but with declining pace and endurance after transitioning to MLS.
language: en-US
start date: 2026-07-06T17:45:27.175Z
competitor: Kylian Mbappé
  type: Person
  description: French forward, Real Madrid's primary striker with elite athleticism and goal-scoring prowess
competitor: Lionel Messi
  type: Person
  description: Argentine legend, former Barcelona icon now at Inter Miami in MLS at age 39
organizer: A Versus B
is accessible for free: true

claimreview
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is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026
review body: Mbappé is in his physical and competitive prime at 27 years old with superior athleticism and goal-scoring rate, while Messi at 39 years old remains a playmaking genius but with declining pace and endurance after transitioning to MLS.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Mbappé vs Messi in 2026

Career Length at Elite Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 19 years (2004-2023)

Goals Per Game (Club Peak Period)
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 0.73 per match

UEFA Champions League Titles
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 4

FIFA World Cup Achievements
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: Winner 2022 (7 goals)

Career Club Goals (Top 5 Leagues)
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 672 goals

Peak Transfer Market Value
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: $150 million (2018)

Instagram Followers
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 88 million

Career Club Assists (Top 5 Leagues)
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 192 assists

Career Club Goals
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 810+

Vertical Jump Height
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 61

Peak Goals Per Season Average
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 56 (2011-12)

La Liga Championships
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 10

FIFA World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 1 (2022)

Total Career Trophies
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 45

World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 1 (2022)

Peak Performance Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 18+ seasons (2006-2024)

1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 6 goals + 1 assist in 2022

FIFA World Cups Won
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 1 (2022)

Dribbles Per Match
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 4.2

Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value: Kylian Mbappé: N/A | Lionel Messi: 21 years (2004-2025)

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Kylian Mbappé — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Lionel Messi — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Kylian Mbappé vs Lionel Messi
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mbappe-vs-messi-2026)
object: Kylian Mbappé
object: Lionel Messi

La Liga Championships
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Club Trophies

FIFA World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value reference: International Trophies

Total Career Trophies
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Team Success

World Cup Wins
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Tournament Success

Peak Performance Duration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Career Longevity

1986 World Cup Goal Contribution
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Tournament Impact

FIFA World Cups Won
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Team Honours

Dribbles Per Match
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technical Skill

Career Span
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity