Kylian Mbappe can put his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, back in the GOAT debate with a win over Lionel Messi in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final
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Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi is just one game away from securing the holy grail of football, the FIFA World Cup. A trophy that will shine far brighter than any other he has in his cabinet. All the individual accolades he has earned in his career won’t even come close to the glory that awaits him. Messi might be ready to trade the seven Ballon d’Or he has won for this moment. But he has one of the toughest competitions he could ask for to beat in the final—a young and dynamic French side with the ambition of back-to-back world cup titles.
The 2022 World Cup final will also witness the battle between one of the all-time greats of the sport and another who is tipped to become his successor at the top of the footballing pyramid. The Lionel Messi-Kylian Mbappe battle is not just limited to the World Cup. If the PSG duo can perform at the level they have been doing so far and be the difference-maker in the finals; it will define their legacy. Messi has the chance to become the GOAT, while Mbappe can kickstart his voyage toward greatness.
If Messi wins the world cup, the debate over who is the greatest, him or Cristiano Ronaldo, will become pointless. Both have impeccable club records, but international career still defines a footballer’s legacy. The World Cup will give Messi the edge generational greats Pele and Maradona have been enjoying for a long time. CR7 had his last opportunity to win the title in Qatar; ironically, it is the same for Messi, the last dance. The Portuguese has the best squad he ever had going into the tournament but fell short in the Quarterfinals against trailblazers Morocco. Messi made a difference in every game he was part of to lead Argentina’s march to the final.
If there is one guy who could reinstate Ronaldo back to the Messi bracket, it is his biggest fanboy, France’s Kylian Mbappe. The PSG striker was never shy from admitting that he grew up idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo. Even playing with and against Messi didn’t change his opinion. He pledged his allegiance to the five times Ballon d’Or winner recently following his exit from the 2022 World Cup. Ronaldo posted an emotional message via his Instagram account, and Mbappe replied with crown and goat emicons. If Mbappe can lead France to a title defense, he also puts back Messi and Ronaldo in the same elite bracket.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina needs to level up their defensive game against France
Argentina’s front line and midfield have been solid after the disappointing defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first Group stage game of the Tournament. Messi and Manchester City youngster Julian Alvarez has been the most impressive. Brighton’s Alex Mac Alister and Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez have also been consistent performers. An Angel di Maria returning from Injury is a big boost for the team.
The defense has been good this tournament but hasn’t been up to the mark. Their most dissipating outing came in the game against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, as they leaked two goals in the game’s dying minutes. They survived the shootout scare thanks to the impressive performance of Goalkeeper Emi Martinez. But the game revealed the weakness of the White and Blues defense line, high balls coming to the box.
The defenders of Argentina are not known for their aerial superiority or pace. Kylian Mbappe and Dembele can use their speed and superior crossing ability to put the ball into the box for striker Olivier Giroud. France’s all-time top-scorer is known for his headers and can convert chances with fewer goal probability. The wingbacks of Argentina are in for a long day in the finals.
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Justin P Joy
(4859 Articles Published)