French footballer Kylian Mbappe has affirmed that he would play till the age of 100 years if need be. The Real Madrid striker spoke on the comparisons between him and Argentine star Lionel Messi. Notably, Messi recently announced his retirement from the National team at the age of 39, bringing an end to a glamorous career that spanned over two decades. Regarded as one of the most successful footballers of all times, Messi’s career has been glorified with a World Cup win in 2022 and two Copa America titles.
In 2022, Messi and Co. defeated a Kylian Mbappe-led side to take the cup home. Now that he has retired, the Frenchman was asked if he sees himself playing till that age, to which the 27-year-old replied by saying that if there would be the need, he will play till the age of 100 years. “I see myself playing until I reach 100 years old if necessary! (laughs),” Mbappe told L’Equipe.
“Will I be at the same level? That is a matter of intelligence: knowing when you can no longer continue. Messi did not have to ask himself this question because he is still capable. Then, Lionel Messi is Lionel Messi. And I consider myself a different player. But he is one of those different players,” he added.
Kylian Mbappe Makes Bold Claim About Ballon d’Or Award Despite Trophyless Season
Kylian Mbappe, who has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Award is positive of winning it and believes that he is an outstanding candidate for the same. In the World Cup, his team reached the semi-finals but suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of eventual champions Spain. On the other hand, even Real Madrid failed to make a mark and Mbappe had to settle with a trophyless season. Despite the lack of team success, Mbappe remains sure that his individual performances would get him the honour.
“I believe I can win it this year,” Mbappe asserted. “It’s one of my goals, and a short-term one at that,” Mbappe said. “People say I didn’t win a trophy (for club or country), but it’s an individual award. I’ve never seen a Ballon d’Or winner elected unanimously. Has anyone ever won with 100% of the vote? That means there’s always someone who thought the winner didn’t deserve it.“
“There was no player better than me. We were talking about achievements. To score that many goals in the major competitions, where all the great players are, and of course at the World Cup, the biggest event, to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer – throughout my holidays, that was all people talked to me about,” he added.
