28 February 2023 , 00:00
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Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe appears to have performed a stark u-turn over who he believes is better between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The two forwards have long forged a competitive rivalry throughout their respective careers - something that peaked during their spells with Real Madrid and Barcelona. It appeared that Messi had put the debate to bed after finally securing a World Cup winners’ medal in Qatar last year.
Messi’s glorious campaign has also seems to have definitively changed the mind of his PSG teammate Mbappe. The Frenchman was previously a huge admirer of Portuguese icon Ronaldo.
The striker’s father admitted that the veteran was among Mbappe’s heroes within the game. Speaking in 2016, he said: "He [Mbappe] is a Real Madrid fan and his idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. He used to spend hours watching videos [of Ronaldo] on the internet."
That was a claim that was backed up by Mbappe’s former teammate Abdou Diallo. He previously suggested that the striker was under no illusions over who was better.
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Speaking in December, the defender said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is literally everything to Kylian Mbappe. If you mention Lionel Messi against Cristiano, Mbappe will debate with you for at least an hour. For him, Cristiano is untouchable."
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe were both named in the FIFPRO Men's World XI (Getty Images)Who do you think is better out of Ronaldo or Messi? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Mbappe performed his change of opinion on social media in the aftermath of The Best FIFA Awards. A glitzy ceremony was held in Paris on Monday evening to celebrate the best players in both the men’s and the women’s game in 2022.
Messi was named as the Best Men’s Player of the Year following his outstanding performances as Argentina lifted the World Cup, whilst he has also managed to find electric form. The veteran was also named in the FIFPRO Men’s World XI alongside his club teammate Mbappe.
The latter issued his response to the pair’s evening, whilst sending his congratulations to Messi with a telling message. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Another trophy at home. Big congratulations to @leomessi you are #TheBest.”
The pair have certainly struck up an excellent understanding on the pitch this term as PSG attempt to lift yet another Ligue 1 crown. After a stuttering debut season at the Parc des Princes, he has 17 goals and 16 assists to his name in all competitions this term.
Mbappe in the meantime has also enjoyed a brilliant time of things after plundering 29 goals in all competitions so far throughout the campaign. The Frenchman also had another intriguing reaction during the FIFA awards ceremony in Paris.
He had a steely look on his face after his nemesis from the World Cup final Emi Martinez after the Villa goalkeeper was named as the Best Men’s Goalkeeper.