Kylian Mbappe's bold prediction that he would succeed Lionel Messi as the world's best footballer has not materialised as the Argentine star prepares for his second consecutive World Cup final. In September 2022, Mbappe told the New York Times that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would soon be replaced by a new generation, saying: 'I think I’m about to win it [the Ballon d’Or]. I always say I dream about everything. I have no limits. So of course, like you say, it’s a new generation. And Ronaldo, Messi — you’re gonna stop. We have to find someone else, someone new.'
Contrasting Fortunes on the World Stage
While Mbappe, now 27, won the World Cup as a teenager in 2018, Messi claimed the trophy over France in the 2022 final. This summer, Messi's Argentina defeated England in the semi-finals to set up a final against Spain, while Mbappe's France lost to La Roja in their semi-final. The contrasting fortunes highlight how Mbappe's prediction has backfired.
Mbappe also claimed he would beat Messi to the Ballon d'Or in 2023, but finished third as Messi won his eighth award. Since moving to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, Mbappe has become one of the globe's finest players, but Messi, at 39, continues to outshine him on the world stage.
Messi Silences Critics
Messi believes his Argentina team-mates silenced their critics with the semi-final win over England. He said: 'It was a special match against England, we couldn't lose. While this group doesn't owe anything to anyone, you know how Argentinians are, we always demand more. I think if we had lost today, people would have come out and said some nonsense, and we didn't give them the chance. We knew that we were better than them in terms of football.'
Mbappe's Emotional Reaction
Mbappe was visibly emotional after France's loss to Spain when speaking to FOX Sports. He said: 'At the end of the day, you take all the glory when you win, and when you don't win, you have to... sorry to take a (expletive). It's part of the game, part of my game, part of my life. As a captain, I have to take all the responsibility and I have no problem with that. We wanted to go to the final, we didn't go.'
Messi's Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, while Mbappe and France must regroup after their semi-final defeat.
