Kylian Mbappe believes Lionel Messi deserved a record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or award after winning the World Cup last winter in Qatar.
Mbappe, Erling Haaland of Manchester City and the Argentina captain were all on the podium at the ceremony held in Paris last week.
Messi won the Player of The Tournament award in Qatar, after scoring 7 goals and winning the tournament. He scored two more in the final win over France.
Mbappe, the Golden Boot award winner last year who scored a hat-trick against Juventus and had 41 goals in 43 matches across all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain during that season. But he still thinks his old club-teammate is worthy of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The France captain said, “Messi must win tomorrow’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Gibraltar. He’s the best player in the history of football, and he won the World Cup.
Haaland and I both had great seasons, but compared to winning the World Cup, it does not weigh as much.
Leo deserved it.” Leo deserves it.
Mbappe discussed with Warren Zaire Emery, a clubmate and international player that could be a Ballon d’Or candidate in the future.
PSG’s sensational 17-year old is now part of Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus team after scoring five goals in 15 games across Ligue 1 this season and helping two others.
Mbappe said: “He’s fascinating.” He plays very well, he is mature. Like modern midfielders, he isn’t afraid to play the ball and bring up his team.
I have no advice for him. He is already a PSG starter aged 17. “I have no advice to give him, he is a starter at PSG at 17 years old.
The guy does his homework and plays soccer three times per week. Just protect him and help. “On the field, it’s important that he be himself.”
