The Genius of Lionel Messi: Insights from Presnel Kimpembe
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe shares his perspective on why Lionel Messi ranks above Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting Messi's unparalleled natural talent and technical brilliance.
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Frenchman has explained exactly why he believes that Argentine genius Messi operates on a completely different level, citing his natural talent and unmatched technical superiority.French centre-back Kimpembe has had his say on the long-standing rivalry between the two footballing icons. Having shared a dressing room with Messi at the Parc des Princes between 2021 and 2023, he witnessed his daily genius up close and personal.Reflecting on the moment he learned the forward was heading to Paris, Kimpembe admitted the news sent shockwaves through the squad. He openly confessed on Just Riadh's YouTube channel: "The arrival of Leo Messi at PSG? Crazy... crazy... I was like a madman. When he arrives at PSG, you're just so happy. You tell yourself: 'The best player in the world is on my team.'"When explicitly asked to choose between the two greatest players of the modern era, the 2018 World Cup winner was decisive in his preference. Kimpembe stated: "I like both, but I'd say Team Messi. He's too strong. I also like Ronaldo a lot, because you know he's a hard worker. Messi was born with it. Ronaldo was also born with it, but he shaped it in his own way."Messi is too much, brother. When you played rondos with him, the technical quality... you would try to press him but he had already seen everything and would fake you out... it was crazy."Since their time together, the protagonists of this great rivalry have moved on to different continents. Messi is now dominating Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, recently extending his stay until 2028 and already netting three goals in his first three games of the 2026 season.Meanwhile, 41-year-old Ronaldo is dealing with a hamstring injury in Saudi Arabia. Despite this physical setback with Al-Nassr, he remains highly focused on reaching the incredible milestone of 1,000 official goals, having already scored 965 times. He still harbours ambitious dreams of winning his first major title with the club and leading Portugal to World Cup glory in the twilight of his career.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingKimpembe, 30, has also seen his own career take an unexpected turn after being a one-club man. Joining the PSG academy at age 10, he amassed 241 appearances and 26 trophies in 11 seasons, including the 2025 Champions League, and eight Ligue 1 titles. Following bad luck with serious injuries, he moved to the Middle East to join Qatar SC.
A Close Encounter with Footballing Genius
Former PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe recently offered his insights on the eternal Messi vs Ronaldo debate, drawing from his personal experiences while playing alongside Lionel Messi at PSG. Kimpembe emphasized Messi's exceptional skill set, describing him as 'too strong' and attributing his prowess to innate abilities that set him apart from his contemporaries.
The Impact of Messi's Arrival at PSG
Reflecting on the moment Lionel Messi joined PSG, Kimpembe acknowledged the seismic effect it had on the squad. Describing the feeling as 'crazy,' he revealed his admiration for Messi's talent and the privilege of having the world's best player as a teammate.
Choosing Team Messi
When asked to pick between Messi and Ronaldo, Kimpembe didn't hesitate to express his admiration for Messi's game-changing abilities. He lauded Ronaldo's work ethic but ultimately sided with Messi, citing the Argentine's natural flair and technical finesse as irresistible qualities.
The Unmatched Technical Brilliance
Kimpembe vividly recalled the experience of facing Messi in training, highlighting the Argentine's exceptional technical skills that left defenders bewildered. He marveled at Messi's ability to outmaneuver opponents effortlessly and create magic on the pitch, underscoring his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Current Endeavors of Footballing Icons
While Messi continues to shine in MLS with Inter Miami, Ronaldo faces challenges in Saudi Arabia due to a hamstring injury. Despite their geographical separation, both players remain committed to their respective goals, with Ronaldo eyeing the milestone of 1,000 official goals and dreams of World Cup glory, while Messi continues to mesmerize fans with his on-field brilliance.
Kimpembe's Unexpected Career Path
After a successful stint at PSG, Kimpembe faced setbacks with injuries before embarking on a new chapter in his career with Qatar SC. Despite the challenges, he looks back on his time at PSG with pride, having achieved significant milestones and contributed to the club's success.
