Argentina and France will have a great final at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, both teams will be looking for their third star and will send the best of their team to make that dream come true. However, a separate duel will be that of the two countries’ top stars: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.
The two ’10’ have met on previous occasions, both in club and national team matches. There are three clashes in all that have starred, and the advantage is clearly in “Kiki’s” favour. The most surprising thing is that ‘Leo’ has never won against the French forward.
Argentina 3-4 France in Russia 2018
At the previous World Cup, the Albiceleste met the Blues in the round of 16. That engagement was a torrent of goals and Mbappé, in turn, scored with a brace to seal the win and eliminate the South Americans. This was the first duel between the two.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in Russia 2018. Photo: AFP
FC Barcelona 1-4 PSG and Champions League 2020-21
Three years later, in February 2021, the Catalans and Parisians met in the Champions League round of 16. In the first leg, Messi opened the scoring with a penalty; However, the Frenchman excelled and scored a hat-trick to turn the game around at the Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi in a Champions League game 2020-21 against PSG. Photo: AFP
PSG 1-1 FC Barcelona in Champions League 2020-21
In the second leg of this Champions League, the Parisians achieved a draw. This time it was Mbappé who scored the first goal and the “Flea” who equalized. With this result, PSG advanced in the round and eliminated Barça in the Parque de los Príncipes.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the 2020-21 Champions League. Photo: AFP
Messi vs Mbappe: Numbers
In the three games they faced, the Rosario man didn’t win at all while the Frenchman managed two wins. Also, there was only a draw between the two.