New Jersey: Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo Nazario praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward and captain Kylian Mbappe, stating that both athletes deserve their places among the top goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history and have elevated the sport beyond mere statistics.

The French national team is scheduled to face Sweden in a highly anticipated Round of 32 matchup on July 1, according to Indian Standard Time.

Speaking to L'Equipe, as quoted by Goal.com, the former Brazilian star remarked that the legacies of elite athletes are shaped not just by numerical records but by their broader impact on the sport.

"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," Ronaldo said.

The former striker lauded Messi as one of the finest players in soccer history, emphasising the Argentine's enduring capacity to dictate outcomes on the field.

"Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football, and he is still influential and decisive today," Ronaldo added.

Ronaldo also offered significant praise for Mbappe, drawing parallels between the French captain's current dynamic style of play and his own performances during the peak of his career.

"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," Ronaldo said.

Mbappe initiated his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by netting two goals against Senegal, followed by another two-goal performance in France's subsequent group stage fixture against Iraq. While he did not find the back of the net against Norway, the French captain served as a primary playmaker by contributing two assists during a dominant offensive display by Les Bleus.

The French attacker remains a primary candidate for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball awards, competing alongside Messi for the tournament's top individual honours.

Meanwhile, France manager Didier Deschamps has returned to the national team's World Cup training base following a brief departure to his home country after the death of his mother, the French Football Federation announced on Saturday.

Deschamps was absent from France's final group stage match against Norway due to his bereavement, during which assistant coach Guy Stephan assumed managerial duties. Deschamps had travelled home to attend his mother's funeral services.

With inputs from ANI