He is not better than Messi — French Ligue 1 star challenges Real Madrid ace's status

Olympique Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi insisted that Lionel Messi is still the best footballer in the World, not Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. 

As Pulse Sports reported, Mbappe scored a brace to help Los Blancos down Marseille in their opening UCL fixture of the campaign. Ahead of the fixture, Balerdi was asked if Kylian was the best footballer in the world, and he disagreed.  

For much of Messi’s career, he shared the status of best footballer in the world with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he is now well into the twilight of his career, living his final days as a footballer out in the MLS. 

Hence, many believed that Real Madrid forward, Mbappe, who went head-to-head with Messi during the 2022 World Cup final, won by Argentina, has ascended the throne. 

Asked whether Mbappe is the best player in the world, Balerdi simply responded, “No” before going on to say, “For me, as long as Lionel Messi continues playing, no one is better than him.”

Balerdi’s stance is understandable, as he is an international teammate with the Argentine great. Mbappe scored three penalties against the Albiceleste in the World Cup final. Against Les Phoceens today, he scored twice from the spot.