Messi, Still the Number One

Olympique de Marseille face a huge challenge this Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid, but the spotlight is not only on the match. Their captain, Leonardo Balerdi, made a statement that went around the world: “As long as he hasn’t retired, Messi is the number one.”

The Argentine defender spoke to French program Téléfoot and placed Lionel Messi, now at Inter Miami, at the very top of world football—above names like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, or Jude Bellingham. For Balerdi, there is no debate: the Argentine star’s greatness remains intact.

Messi vs. Mbappé, an Endless Debate

Balerdi’s words reignite the discussion that divides the football world: is Mbappé already the rightful heir to the throne, or does Messi still rule? The Marseille center-back made his choice clear, backing not only Messi’s talent but also his role as a symbol for an entire generation of Argentine players.

The memory of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar—where Messi lifted the trophy and Argentina defeated Mbappé’s France in an unforgettable final—still lingers in football’s collective memory. And for players like Balerdi, that moment confirmed Messi remains above anyone else.

Argentine Pride and Eternal Leader

The defender added that Messi continues to be Argentina’s ultimate captain and guide: “He’s our leader, the one who gave us the greatest joy. For me, there’s no debate.”

While Marseille focus on their Champions League showdown against Real Madrid, their captain made one thing clear: no matter what happens on the pitch, the debate over the world’s best player still has only one rightful owner—Lionel Messi.