Messi-Ronaldo rivalry: Mbappé breaks the silence

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Asked about the rivalry that defined an entire generation, Kylian Mbappé offered an insightful perspective on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Having had the unique opportunity to play alongside both legends, the French star was eager to set the record straight.

Invited to discuss the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé delivered a nuanced analysis of two icons who have dominated world football for over a decade. Indeed, the French striker has had the privilege of sharing the pitch with both superstars during his career.

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The Real Madrid forward was quick to highlight their differences:

"Cristiano is my idol, but Messi too—I played with him. Having faced both, they are very different. I think their rivalry was great because everything sets them apart. The left-footer, the right-footer, tall, short, more slender, more robust, one more explosive, the other with more vision."

However, Mbappé was keen to debunk some of the clichés often associated with this historic duel.

"Without being condescending, the whole idea that one is pure talent and the other pure hard work—that’s something people who have never played football say. If you can tell me that CR7 doesn’t have talent or that Messi never had to work, then you’ve never worn boots to play football in your life. I just can’t understand how you could think that way."

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