WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine superstar bagged his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or in Paris two weeks ago after guiding his nation to the 2022 World Cup podium in Qatar. There has been considerable debate over Messi bagging the prestigious individual accolade over Erling Haaland who was on a record-breaking goal-scoring spree with Manchester City and even propelled them to a historic treble. However, Mbappe threw his weight behind Messi and asserted that winning a World Cup makes the difference irrespective of Haaland’s achievements with City.

WHAT MBAPPE SAID

Speaking to reporters, Mbappe opined, “As I said, I am not someone that is afraid. I have no problem, the ranking is what it is. Messi deserves it. When Messi wins the World Cup, Messi has to win the Ballon d’Or. He’s one of the best players in history, if not the best.

“(Erling) Haaland had a great season, me too… but next to winning a World Cup, it doesn’t weigh much. On the night of 18th December I knew that I had lost World Cup… and Ballon d’Or too. Leo deserved it.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final, while Messi scored a brace, to pull back France to level terms from a 2-0 deficit against the Albiceleste. However, Emiliano Martinez’s heroics in the penalty shootout broke French hearts and denied Mbappe from winning two successive global crowns.

WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE AND LIONEL MESSI?

Mbappe’s admiration for Messi goes beyond competition, revealing a deep respect for the Argentine’s career. Despite being direct rivals for prestigious awards, the camaraderie developed during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain is evident.

Both the superstars are currently with their respective national teams. While Mbappe will be in action against Gibraltar on Friday in a Euro 2024 qualifier, Messi will take the pitch against bitter rivals Brazil on Tuesday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.