Former Real Madrid Boss Boldly Claims Kylian Mbappe Is Better Than Lionel Messi

• Ex-Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello favours Kylian Mbappe over Lionel Messi, according to his recent choice
• The respected Italian tactician believes that the PSG star currently holds an edge over Messi
• However, Messi solidified his claim to the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) by winning the prestigious 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award

Fabio Capello has sparked a fiery debate by asserting that Kylian Mbappe is presently better than Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi.

The former Real Madrid manager, held in high esteem for his savvy analysis and vast experience in the football world, made the claim hours before the 2023 Laureus Award ceremony.

Capello lauded Messi for his well-documented achievements in his illustrious career, which has seen him scoop the Ballon d'Or on seven occasions, but argued Mbappe's exceptional speed, technical prowess, and proficiency in front of the goal make him the best player in the world presently, Sportskeeda reports.

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"Messi has done what he has done throughout his career and over so many years, and he is fantastic. He has been the best for several years," Capelli said as quoted by MARCA.

Despite Messi beating competition from Mbappe, tennis icon Rafael Nadal and Max Verstappen of Formula 1 fame to win the 2023 Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award, the 76-year-old insisted the Frenchman ranked ahead of the Argentine phenom in his view.

"But at the moment, Mbappe is better. He's strong, he's quick, he's scores goals. Even if he doesn't have the magic of Messi."

Mbappe stars in Messi's absence

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a comfortable win at Troyes, edging closer to a record-extending 11th Ligue 1 crown, Sports Brief reported.

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The defending French champions had endured a tumultuous week, with star forward Lionel Messi being suspended on the back of embarking on an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.

In the absence of the Argentine phenom, Mbappe played a starring role as Les Parisiens returned to winning ways while tightening their grip at the top of the league table.

Messi beats Mbappe to top gong

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi won the 2023 Laureus Award for the best male athlete on Monday after leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain star was crowned in a ceremony in Paris ahead of World Cup rival Kylian Mbappe, NBA star Stephen Curry, legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 star Max Verstappen and Pole Vaulter Mondo Duplantis.

It is Messi's second Laureus award, which is regarded as the Oscar of the sports world, following the one he shared with British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton in 2020.