Mbappe at 23 vs Messi at 23, who was a better footballer at that age?

Mbappe at 23 vs Messi at 23, who was a better footballer at that age?

Helix Odhiambo
March 9, 2024 at 7:18 PM
In this article:
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
Kylian Mbappé logo
K.Mbappé
Paris Saint Germain (PSG) logoFFrance logo
FC Barcelona logo
FC Barcelona
Spain
36
Paris Saint Germain (PSG) logo
PSG
France
35
Argentina logo
Argentina
Argentina
23
France logo
France
France
26
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International

Kylian Mbappe's rise to stardom and his achievements at a young age have earned him comparisons with many great footballers like Lionel Messi. The two players are known for their incredible dribbling skills and goal-scoring exploits, but the debate of who was good at 23 still rages on. Sports Brief breaks down the numbers comparing Mbappe at 23 vs Messi at 23 stats and achievements.

Mbappe at 23 vs Messi at 23
Argentina's Lionel Messi (L) against Nigeria in June 2010. Kylian Mbappe (R) of France during their World Cup 2018 qualifier against Belarus. Photo: Mustafa Yalcin, Eric Verhoeven (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Mbappe is 11 years and six months younger than Leo but has established himself as a superstar. The two footballers played together at Paris Saint Germain for two seasons, proving they can fit in the same team. While Kylian won nearly everything at 23, Messi's levels at the same age remain beyond phenomenal.

Mbappe at 23 vs Messi at 23

Kylian has the speed, dribbling abilities, and creativity to dominate football for years like the Inter Miami star. Messi at 23 vs Mbappe at 23 stats and achievements are incredible. From goals to assists and trophies, discover how Messi and Mbappe compare at 23, according to Talk Sport stats.

Mbappe vs Messi at age 23 goals

Mbappe vs Messi at age 23
Lionel Messi (L) of Barcelona at Camp Nou in 2010. PSG's Kylian Mbappe (R) celebrates scoring at Parc des Princes in 2017. Photo: Jean Catuffe, Jasper Juinen (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

How many goals did Messi have at 23? Leo debuted for Argentina in 2005 at 18 and scored 17 goals in 57 caps before turning 24. He scored in the 2006 FIFA World Cup against Serbia and Montenegro, becoming the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth-youngest goal scorer in the competition's history.

Mbappe debuted for France in March 2017 at 18 and scored 36 goals in 66 caps for the national team by the same age. His last contribution before turning 24 was a hattrick in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost to Messi's Argentina.

Mbappe also triumphs over the Inter Miami skipper in club record, scoring 210 goals in 345 Monaco and Paris Saint Germain appearances. Leo had 183 goals in 285 games for Barcelona at 23.

Messi at 23 vs Mbappe at 23 assists

According to Talk Sport, the Argentine had 15 assists in 57 caps for his nation and 83 assists in 285 games for Barcelona before turning 24. Kylian Mbappe had 23 assists in 66 caps for France and 99 assists in 345 appearances for PSG and Monaco at the same age.

Messi at 23 vs Mbappe awards

Messi at 23 vs Mbappe at 23 trophies
Lionel Messi (L) with the 2009 Ballon d'Or award, and Kylian Mbappe (R) celebrate with the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Liewig Christian, Simon Stacpoole (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The Argentine won three Ballon d'Or titles at 23, while Mbappe has yet to win his first. Leo also had a Golden Ball and Golden Shoe at the 2008 Summer Olympics. According to Planet Sport, Kylian had 16 individual honours before turning 24 compared to Messi's nine at the same age.

Messi at 23 vs Mbappe at 23 trophies

Lionel Messi won three Champions League titles and four La Liga trophies among 16 accolades he won at 23. He also won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics with Argentina. Kylian had 11 titles, including five League One trophies at PSG and Monaco.

The French striker won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with his nation at 19, becoming the youngest French player to score in the tournament. Leo won the world title for the first time at 35.

Who is best, Messi or Kylian Mbappe?

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe
Lionel Messi (L) congratulates Kylian Mbappe (R) after scoring Paris Saint-Germain's second goal against Clermont Foot at Parc des Princes on 3 June 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Ian MacNicol
Source: Getty Images

Judging from the Mbappe vs Messi at 23 stats above, the French forward is clear of his former teammate, having won the World Cup and scored the most goals for club and country. However, Leo boasts more Champions League titles and Ballon d'Ors than Kylian at the same age.

What did Messi achieve at 23 years old?

The Argentine won 16 trophies before turning 24, including three Champions League titles, four La Liga trophies, and the Olympic gold medal. At 23, Leo had three Ballon d'Or accolades. He also bagged 17 goals in 57 caps for his nation and 183 goals in 285 games for Barcelona.

What did Mbappe say about Messi?

The French forward opened up on his relationship with his former teammate, with whom they formed a striking partnership alongside Neymar. Kylian and Leo won two French league titles and one Coupe de France at Paris Saint Germain. Mbappe told Amazon Prime Sport about missing Leo and his treatment at PSG.

"You always miss playing with Leo Messi," Mbappé said. "For a forward like me, you love running into space, with him you are certain you can get the ball. It's a luxury that only he can give you. Overall, playing with him, it has been special. He deserves all the respect and actually in France, he didn't receive the respect he deserved."

Speculations about Kylian's transfer rumours and links to Real Madrid in the 2024 summer transfer season are gathering pace as his PSG contract ends in June 2024.

Final word

Mbappe at 23 vs Messi at 23 is among the popular comparisons in modern football. The two players have recorded undeniable standards on the field, raising the bar high for young footballers. The debate of who is better between the two will continue making headlines as Leo nears the end of his career, while Kylian is expected to improve as he approaches his late 20s.

READ ALSO: Who are Neymar's parents? The childhood and family background of the football star explained

Sports Brief published Neymar's life story, parents, and career achievements. The Brazilian football star achieved a legendary status playing for Barcelona and Paris Sainte German in Europe, establishing himself among the best. His parents are instrumental in his professional success. Follow the above link for more details about Neymar.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.