Messi vs. Mbappé: who had better numbers in the 2025/26 season
7/30/2026 10:24:01 PM
The comparison between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé returned to center stage after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the debate encompasses much more than the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Although the age difference, the difference in competitiveness between MLS and LaLiga, and the different competitive contexts make it necessary to put the numbers into perspective, the statistics show that both had extremely high-level campaigns during the 2025/26 season.
At 39 years old, the Argentine star continues to show that he remains one of the great figures in world football. Although Kylian had an extraordinary 2025/26 season in terms of goal scoring, the statistics reflect that Leo maintains a level of production that puts him on par with the 27-year-old French striker.
Collectively, the albiceleste #10 led Inter Miami to its first MSL title and the Argentina National Team to its second consecutive World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up. Kylian, meanwhile, was unable to lift a trophy with Real Madrid and finished in fourth place at the World Cup with France.
However, on an individual level, Les Bleus' captain capped off a goal-scoring campaign that positioned him as the top scorer in LaLiga, the UEFA Champions League, and the World Cup. Leo also made his mark in front of goal, but stood out in creating goals, in assists.
Statistically speaking, Mbappé played 60 matches and scored 58 goals (43 excluding penalties), 13 assists, and 136 dribbles.
However, Messi responded with 45 goals (41 excluding penalties) and 30 assists in just 49 matches, completing 117 successful dribbles. In addition, he also has a higher average performance, with a rating of 8.55 compared to Mbappé's 7.75.
Meanwhile, in the World Cup, both made history by surpassing the record held by Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer with 16 goals. Leo ended his participation with 21 total goals and 8 in the 2026 edition, while Kylian tops the all-time chart with 22 goals and was the top scorer in this edition with 10.
After the tournament final, Leo is expected to rejoin Inter Miami to continue with his commitments and fight for the MLS back-to-back title, while Kylian will have to adapt to his new coach both at Real Madrid, José Mourinho, and in France with Zinedine Zidane in charge, and will look to leave behind the previous season with Los Blancos, where he finished without titles.
Although the age difference, the difference in competitiveness between MLS and LaLiga, and the different competitive contexts make it necessary to put the numbers into perspective, the statistics show that both had extremely high-level campaigns during the 2025/26 season.
At 39 years old, the Argentine star continues to show that he remains one of the great figures in world football. Although Kylian had an extraordinary 2025/26 season in terms of goal scoring, the statistics reflect that Leo maintains a level of production that puts him on par with the 27-year-old French striker.
Collectively, the albiceleste #10 led Inter Miami to its first MSL title and the Argentina National Team to its second consecutive World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up. Kylian, meanwhile, was unable to lift a trophy with Real Madrid and finished in fourth place at the World Cup with France.
However, on an individual level, Les Bleus' captain capped off a goal-scoring campaign that positioned him as the top scorer in LaLiga, the UEFA Champions League, and the World Cup. Leo also made his mark in front of goal, but stood out in creating goals, in assists.
Statistically speaking, Mbappé played 60 matches and scored 58 goals (43 excluding penalties), 13 assists, and 136 dribbles.
However, Messi responded with 45 goals (41 excluding penalties) and 30 assists in just 49 matches, completing 117 successful dribbles. In addition, he also has a higher average performance, with a rating of 8.55 compared to Mbappé's 7.75.
Meanwhile, in the World Cup, both made history by surpassing the record held by Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer with 16 goals. Leo ended his participation with 21 total goals and 8 in the 2026 edition, while Kylian tops the all-time chart with 22 goals and was the top scorer in this edition with 10.
After the tournament final, Leo is expected to rejoin Inter Miami to continue with his commitments and fight for the MLS back-to-back title, while Kylian will have to adapt to his new coach both at Real Madrid, José Mourinho, and in France with Zinedine Zidane in charge, and will look to leave behind the previous season with Los Blancos, where he finished without titles.