Lionel Messi  has cemented his place in soccer folklore. Following an unprecedented 8th Ballon d’Or award, the soccer universe is celebrating the genius of the Argentinian wizard. It appeared that they finally settled the  “GOAT debate”  for good. However, not everyone acknowledges the same opinion. An influential soccer coach is still not convinced regarding Messi’s credentials and perhaps considers two other players as better performers than the recent FIFA World Cup winner.

Interestingly, one of Messi’s chief rivals for the award was former teammate  Kylian Mbappe . Despite being crowned PSG Player of the Season and French Ligue Player of the Season, Mbappe could not win the coveted prize. Perhaps, had France won the World Cup, Mbappe would have walked away victorious. Therefore, Didier Deschamps seems to follow this approach of thought.

Didier Deschamps delivers blunt response to the GOAT Debate

The French boss has been in the business for a long time. From winning the World Cup in 1998 as a player to coaching the 2018 success, Deschamps knows a skilled player when laid eyes on someone. However, in a recent interview with FOX Sports MX, he let the soccer fraternity know his opinion regarding the GOAT.

He stated, ” The Argentines say so but it’s difficult to say that Messi is better than (Cristiano) Ronaldo or Mbappé, who is younger. ” The opinion might sound controversial, but the stats do back it up.

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As per Sportsbrief, at the age of 24, Mbappe has recorded more goals (282) and assists (102) than Messi (186 & 83) and Ronaldo (109 & 59), respectively. Even looking at collective success, Mbappe won six league titles and a World Cup, having better team achievements than Messi and Ronaldo.

However, both of them won the Ballon d’Or at ages 22 & 23, respectively. Mbappe, 24, has all the qualities to define the next generation of Soccer-greats.

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Can Kylian Mbappe go one beyond Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

It seemed inevitable that Deschamps nameddropped Mbappe while discussing the GOATS. Such is the stature of the PSG winger. The 24-year-old is already among the best French players in history. While crossing Messi’s 8 Golden Balls seems unrealistic, he can hope to come close to the five won by Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe had expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his  ‘idol’  Cristiano and replicate his successful career.

Do you find Deschamps’s inclusion of Mbappe among the GOATS a tad too early? Let us know in the comments below.

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