Kylian Mbappe says Lionel Messi deserved Ballon d’Or award

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe says Lionel Messi merited his eighth Ballon d’Or after a spectacular run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup leading Argentina to the title.

Mbappe finished in third place behind Erling Haaland and Messi in the Ballon d’Or 2023 rankings despite winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old scored a hattrick in the final of the mondial as France only settled for a silver medal against the South Americans.

Speaking to the media on International break about the just-ended Ballon d’Or, Mbappe went on to say: “As I said, I am not someone that is afraid. I have no problem, the ranking is what it is. Messi deserves it.

“When Messi wins the World Cup, Messi has to win the Ballon d’Or. He’s one of the best players in history, if not the best.”

Mbappe has had a good start to the 2023/24 season in Ligue 1 scoring 13 goals in 11 games for Luis Enrique’s men while also contributing two goals in four Champions League games.