a A new chapter in the sporting rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged thanks to a former teammate of the Argentine star.
Presnel Kimpembe knows the great talent of two icons of modern football, but one holds a special place, naming him among the “best players in the world”.
Kimpembe chooses GOAT
The French player played against and against some of the world’s best during his time at Parse Saint-Germain. From 2021 to 2023, he welcomed Lionel into the Parisian club’s dressing room, which he himself described as “crazy”.
Kimpembe, who recently appeared on Just Riadh’s YouTube channel, revealed that he couldn’t hide his excitement when he heard that Leo was joining the club.
“Leo Messi’s arrival at PSG? Crazy… crazy… I was like a madman. When he arrives at PSG, you’re just so happy. You say to yourself, ‘The best player in the world is coming to my team,'” he said without hesitation, with amazing admiration.
His arrival at his new club, full of hopes and expectations, excited not only the fans but also his new teammates. The truth is that the Argentine joined PSG after a glittering and extensive career with Barcelona. Barcelona was the only club Leo had previously played for, and a rivalry with CR7 emerged every time they played against Real Madrid.
When asked to choose between the two players, Kimpembe had no hesitation in choosing his former teammate.
“Team Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi! I like both, but I think it’s Team Messi,” Presnell said. “He’s too strong. I like Ronaldo a lot too, because I know he’s a hard worker. Messi was born with it. Ronaldo was born with it too, but he shaped it in his own way. Messi is too strong, brother. When you played Rondo with him, the technical quality… you would try to put pressure on him, but he would already see everything and try to fool you… it was crazy.
Presnell shared 42 matches with Leo, but faced each other three times (two losses and one draw). Additionally, they played 4 games against CR7 (1 win, 1 loss).
Kimpembe joined PSG’s academy in 2005 at the age of 10, but never played for another team. He played 241 games in 11 seasons and contributed to the history of the capital club by winning a total of 26 trophies: the 2025 Champions League, 8 French league titles, 7 French Cups, 5 League Cups, and 5 Champions Trophies. Meanwhile, the 2018 World Cup winner is currently playing for Qatar SC after suffering an injury.
The Argentine star continues to lead Inter Miami CF in MLS after announcing his departure from the Parisian club on June 7, 2023, following the end of his contract with the club. He recently renewed his contract until the 2028 season and is currently playing in the 2026 league season, having already appeared in three games and scored three goals.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese player was substituted in Al Nasr’s final match as coach against Al-Faya, and his career will be put on hold due to a hamstring injury. He has already started the rehabilitation process and his condition will be evaluated daily. He has scored 965 goals so far and is hoping to reach 1,000 competitive goals in his career, as well as his dream of winning his first official title with the club and his first World Cup with Portugal.
Presnell’s words restart a debate that has been going on for years and is unlikely to end anytime soon, but it highlights the fact that both stars’ talents know no bounds.
