Kylian Mbappe ‘doesn’t even lace’ peak-Lionel Messi’s boots, says Damien Duff ahead of World Cup final

Kylian Mbappe is not fit to lace the boots of Lionel Messi at the Argentine’s peak, that is according to Damien Duff.

“The best version of Messi – when he was 23, 24 or 25 – Mbappe doesn’t lace his boots,” said Shelbourne manager Duff.

Duff was speaking alongside Shay Given and Liam Brady on RTE. Asked to clarify his statement by presenter Joanne Cantwell, Duff added:

“The best version of Messi, Mbappe still doesn’t touch Messi – that is how good Messi was. That is what I am saying.”

Cantwell followed up by asking: “You’re saying that a current Mbappe doesn’t come near Messi at his peak?”

Duff replied: “Messi is the best ever.”

The 23-year-old made a blistering start to the World Cup, registering five goals in his opening four matches at the tournament. However, he has not scored in his side’s quarter-final or semi-final against England or Morocco.

The 35-year-old Messi has played 25 World Cup matches and scored 11 goals while Mbappe has nine in his 13 appearances at the quadrennial event.