Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain looks to have reversed his opinion on who is superior between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi have developed a spirited rivalry throughout the course of their individual careers, which peaked during their time with Real Madrid and Barcelona. After finally winning a World Cup championship medal in Qatar last year, it seemed that Messi had put the discussion to rest.
However, Messi’s outstanding season appears to have irrevocably altered Mbappe’s perspective for the better. The Portuguese superstar Ronaldo has long been a hero in the eyes of the Frenchman.
The veteran was one of Mbappe’s game heroes, the striker’s father said in a 2016 interview. He added: “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.”
Abdou Diallo, Mbappe’s former teammate, backed up that assertion. He had earlier said that the striker had no illusions about who was superior.
The defender remarked in a December speech: “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.”
Following the Best FIFA Awards, Mbappe publicly expressed his change of heart. The greatest players from the men’s and women’s games in 2022 were honored at a glam ceremony on Monday night in Paris.
Following his amazing efforts as Argentina won the World Cup and his recent return to electrifying form, Messi was awarded the Best Men’s Player of the Year. The veteran and Mbappe, another member of his club team, were both nominated to the FIFPRO Men’s World XI.
Afterward, Mbappe congratulated Messi and sent him a poignant message via social media. He wrote on Instagram: “Another trophy at home. Big congratulations to @leomessi you are #TheBest.”
This season, as PSG attempts to win another Ligue 1 championship, the two have undoubtedly developed a great working relationship on the field. He had a shaky debut season at Parc des Princes, but this season he has 17 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
While this has been going on, Mbappe has also had a great time, scoring 29 goals in all competitions so far this season. When attending the FIFA awards ceremony in Paris, the Frenchman also displayed another surprising response.
Kylian Mbappe Couldn’t Hide His Disgust For Emiliano Martinez
Kylian Mbappe was stoic as he listened to Emiliano Martinez’s statement after receiving the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award, after the Argentine had ridiculed him following their World Cup victory in Qatar.
At the presentation in Paris on Monday, the Aston Villa goalie won FIFA’s “The Best” goalkeeper award.
Martinez thanked his parents for their support in helping him reach the top after defeating Yassine Bounou of Morocco and Thibaut Courtois of Belgium to win the prize.
When Martinez finished speaking, the cameras eventually moved to Mbappe, who had a stony expression.
Martinez won the prize for leading Argentina at the World Cup, making a crucial stop in extra time of the final game to keep the score tied at 3-3.
Despite Mbappe’s hat-trick, Argentina won the penalty shootout thanks in large part to his stop of Kingsley Coman’s kick.
The Argentine goalkeeper faced harsh criticism for his out-of-control celebrations, which included holding a baby doll with Mbappe’s face above his head and requesting a moment of silence for the striker in the locker room.
It happened despite Martinez being one of the first to comfort Mbappe after France’s heartbreaking loss.
Mbappe dismissed Martinez’s antics after returning to PSG by saying he was unbothered by them.
Watch Mbappe’s Facial Reaction As Martinez Received His Award:
