Klopp Names the Top Two Players of the 2026 World Cup

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has declared Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal the two best players in the world.

Klopp praised the pair’s enduring excellence as they continue to excel at the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to Tribal Football, the German highlighted Messi’s tactical brilliance and record‑breaking goal‑scoring, while commending 41‑year‑old Ronaldo’s relentless intensity.

“As a mere spectator, it naturally captivates me a bit because they are the best players of the last ten, fifteen years,” Klopp said.

“After the first game, in which Cristiano Ronaldo was heavily criticised, to then strike back like that, and at 41 years old with an extremely lively, intense performance, I was very pleased.”

“Messi kindly included us in the line of well‑wishers, even as a 59‑year‑old, I realised just how special something like that can be.”

Messi now has 18 total World Cup goals for his illustrious career, while Ronaldo has 10 as both Argentina and Portugal push on to the next round.