Messi during Argentina's comeback victory against Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta, US, on 7/7. Photo: Reuters

Former coach Fabio Capello, in an interview with Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport, declared Lionel Messi the greatest among the great players. He also offered his insights on other prominent strikers currently making their mark at the 2026 World Cup, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Capello emphasized that while these three are all exceptional champions, comparing them directly is difficult due to their distinct styles.

Capello lauded Kylian Mbappe as the most complete striker currently playing. "He is an all-around forward who excels at dribbling, beating defenders, and possesses supreme speed and technique," Capello explained. "Mbappe is truly perfect and a potential Ballon d'Or winner. His performances on the field are rare. Aerial prowess is the only aspect where he cannot match Haaland; otherwise, he has everything." The coach expressed a lighthearted envy for Jose Mourinho, who will face the "headache" of combining Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid next season, a problem Capello wished he had during his coaching career. Capello drew parallels between Mbappe and Ronaldo Nazario, noting similarities in speed, strength, and dribbling skills. "Mbappe can play in any attacking position, and when he gets near the box, he is simply unstoppable," he added.

Mbappe celebrates after France's victory against Paraguay in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Philadelphia, US, on 4/7. Photo: Reuters

Shifting focus to Erling Haaland, Capello described him as a "classic, old-school number 9, a true penalty box assassin." He highlighted Haaland's clinical finishing: "He cannot miss opportunities; if he gets the ball, it's a goal." While acknowledging Haaland's physical stature and good, though not exceptional, technique, Capello noted a lack of the unique vision and creativity seen in Mbappe. Capello found fewer direct comparisons for Haaland, attributing this to his dominance in an era where physique reigns supreme. He eventually likened Haaland to Gunnar Nordahl, whom he remembered as a "mighty number 9." Capello also mentioned Luca Toni from Italy's past World Cup-winning squad as a physically imposing player, though without Haaland's speed. He praised Haaland's effectiveness in counter-attacks despite his primary role as a target man, stating that "in tight spaces, marking Haaland is impossible, even without Mbappe's press-evading technique or dribbling skills."

Haaland celebrates with teammates after the victory against Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife, New Jersey, US, on 5/7. Photo: Reuters

Despite the emergence of these younger talents, Capello maintained that Messi remains "the greatest among the great players." He acknowledged that "the burden of age is gradually showing," and that Messi is no longer the player who would dribble past three or four defenders from midfield to score. However, Capello underscored Messi's "untouchable genius" in both technique and footballing intellect, emphasizing his continued ability to decide matches, even after missing two penalties in the current World Cup. "We must forever be grateful for what Messi has brought to football," Capello stated. He clarified that while Haaland represents absolute power and Mbappe embodies speed and technique, Messi still delivers "sublime plays" even if not at his peak. "He once captivated us, making us fall in love with football. And in crucial moments, like the match against Egypt, Messi is always there," Capello affirmed.

Capello observed a shift in football towards a greater emphasis on central strikers. He noted that Pep Guardiola, after years of refining the false nine theory, realized the need for a permanent presence in the box, leading to the acquisition of Haaland. "Without a true central striker, you cannot win a tough tournament with teams playing aggressively, with speed and organized defense," Capello asserted.

The discussion also touched upon Harry Kane, whom Capello hailed as an "exceptional player." He described Kane as "a number 10 wearing a striker's shirt," echoing Zvonimir Boban's definition of players by their jersey numbers. Capello elaborated, "Kane is a 9/10 hybrid, a central striker with the soul of a midfielder, the tactical vision of a maestro, the goal-scoring instinct of a penalty box assassin, leadership qualities, and immense courage."

Harry Kane celebrates a goal during England's victory against DR Congo in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta, US, on 1/7. Photo: Reuters

When asked to choose between Messi and Diego Maradona, Capello found it impossible, calling them "simply two geniuses." He expressed anticipation for whether young Lamine Yamal could reach their level. Capello recalled his own attempt to sign Messi for Juventus after witnessing his performance in a 2005 pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match against Barcelona. "After only 15 minutes, I exclaimed: 'How can a 16-year-old kid play with such composure in front of 80,000 spectators?'" Capello recounted. He approached then-Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard to inquire about a loan, only to be told, "Oh no, sir, we have to keep him."

Hoang Thong (according to Gazzetta dello Sport)