'They deserve to be the competition's all-time top scorers…': Nazario

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Brazil’s football legend Ronaldo Nazario has heaped praise on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe by saying that they both deserve to be in the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorers.

Speaking to L’Equipe, as quoted by Goal.com, the former footballer said, “You also have to think about the legacy you leave. But they are both, without a doubt, players who transcend statistics and deserve to be the competition’s all-time top scorers”.

He labelled Argentina’s skipper Messi as one of the greatest players in football. The former footballer also said that Mbappe reminds him of himself at his peak in his career.

“Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football and he is still influential and decisive today. As for Mbappe, his playing style reminds me of myself at my peak. He is one of the greatest players in football today and a natural heir to the legends of the game,” said Nazario.

Currently, Messi is the leading goal-scorer in the ongoing global showpiece with six goals to his name. Mbappe is sharing the second position with Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, and Vinicius Junior, having four goals each.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina and France: Upcoming match’s date and venue

France will take on Sweden in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match is scheduled to be played on July 1 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. On the other hand, Argentina will lock horns with Cabo Verde in the round of 32. The Miami Stadium in Florida will host the match on July 4.

The 27-year-old Mbappe began his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a brace against Senegal before scoring another two goals in France’s next group-stage match against Iraq. Although he did not score against Norway, the France captain played a key creative role by providing two assists as Les Bleus impressed with their attacking display.

The French forward is once again among the leading contenders for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, alongside Argentina’s superstar Messi.

(With ANI Inputs)

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