Determining the "third best" football player is subjective and opinions may vary. However, several players have been widely recognized for their exceptional skills and achievements in the same era as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. A few names that are often mentioned in discussions about the top footballers of our generation include:
1. **Neymar:** Known for his flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, Neymar has been a standout player for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
2. **Kylian Mbappé:** The young French forward has quickly risen to prominence with his incredible speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. He played a key role in France's 2018 FIFA World Cup victory.
3. **Andrés Iniesta:** While he may be towards the end of his career, Iniesta was an integral part of Barcelona's success alongside Messi. His vision, passing, and ability to control the midfield were crucial.
4. **Mohamed Salah:** The Egyptian forward has been a consistent performer for Liverpool, contributing significantly to their successes in domestic and European competitions.
5. **Robert Lewandowski:** The Polish striker has been a goal-scoring machine for Bayern Munich, consistently delivering outstanding performances and breaking records.
Ultimately, opinions on the third-best player can vary based on personal preferences, playing styles, and the specific time frame considered. Other notable players might also be mentioned in these discussions, and the landscape of football can change rapidly.