Kylian Mbappé has openly expressed his unwavering belief that Lionel Messi deserves to secure his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or following his stellar performance in winning the World Cup last winter in Qatar.
Last month, the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris saw the Argentina captain clinch the coveted award. As a result, it left Mbappé and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland as fellow podium occupants.
At his press conference, Mbappé shared his perspective on the Ballon d’Or outcome.
“Messi had to win it,” Mbappé told reporters (h/t Live Score). “He won the World Cup. He’s one of the greatest in history, if not the greatest for me. Haaland had a great season, me too, but next to winning a World Cup, it doesn’t weigh much. On the night of December 18, I knew that I had lost the World Cup and the Ballon d’Or, too. Leo deserved it.”
Messi’s triumph came from his remarkable Player of the Tournament display in Qatar. The veteran propelled Argentina to World Cup victory, netting seven crucial goals, including a brace in the final against Mbappé’s France.
Despite Mbappé’s extraordinary season with Paris Saint-Germain, which saw him claim the Golden Boot with an impressive 41 goals from 43 appearances across all competitions, the young forward graciously acknowledged Messi’s outstanding contribution to Argentina’s triumph.
The showdown between Argentina and France was a spectacle. Mbappé delivered a memorable hat-trick performance. However, Messi’s two crucial goals in the final clash ultimately secured the World Cup for Argentina, solidifying his status as a football icon.
