Kylian Mbappe’s former team-mate rubbishes Lionel Messi comparisons in surprise snub

Hugo Lloris has put an end to any suggestions that Kylian Mbappe can be compared to the "unique" Lionel Messi . Courtesy of a trophy-laden career with the likes of AS Monaco , Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid - as well as a World Cup with his homeland of France - Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the most highly-skilled forwards in the world of football at present. However, Lloris has argued that comparing the 26-year-old to Argentine great Messi is impossible.

Speaking to La Nacion, the shot-stopper said: "Is Mbappé similar to Messi? No, Messi is unique. "It's absolutely impossible to compare him to anyone. I don't see Argentina without Messi in the next World Cup.

I think it will be with Messi. "He still plays and enjoys football. It's his decision, but we want to see him play.

I have a lot of admiration for Leo. For me, he's at the top of the list of the best players, without a doubt. I'm from the generation that was able to watch and play against Leo.

" Lloris also commended MLS for its allure to big names like Messi, who moved to Inter Miami after his successful two-year stint with PSG. The 38-year-old added: "I think the MLS is evolving year after year; it is improving and growing stronger. "Obviously, since Messi's arrival in Miami, the league has started to get a lot more exposure all over the world, and that is incredible for its image.

Also, it is becoming more interesting to compete in the MLS because very important figures like [Luis] Suárez , Jordi Alba and many others bring their experience and quality with them. "On the other hand, I want to say that I am impressed: there are many players who, when I arrived, I did not know, and they are really very good and talented. Surely, in time, they will be able to play in Europe.

So far, it has been a very good experience for me." Messi spent 17 years with the Barcelona first team between 2004 and 2021, scoring 672 goals and providing 303 assists across 778 appearances to become the club’s most prolific scorer. In the Spanish sun, he hoisted ten La Liga titles, 14 domestic trophies and four Champions Leagues .

His subsequent move to PSG in 2021 on a free transfer saw him adorn his trophy cabinet with two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophée des Champions before his awe-inspiring journey took him to Inter Miami after two years. With eight Ballon d'Ors and having championed a World Cup with Argentina, Messi is revered as potentially the most outstanding football stars in the history of the game. At 37, he continues to ply his trade in the MLS with no signs of slowing down.

Messi and Lloris faced off in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this month. Lloris, playing for Los Angeles FC, kept a clean sheet in the first leg, with his team winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Nathan Ordaz in the 57th minute. However, Inter Miami turned the tables in the second leg on home ground, securing a 3-1 victory and progressing to the semi-finals thanks to a Messi brace and a goal from Federico Redondo in response to Aaron Long's early lead for LA FC.

Miami now face the challenge of overturning another deficit if they wish to reach the final of the tournament. Their first semi-final leg ended in a 2-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps last Friday. The teams will clash again at Chase Stadium on Thursday, with the victor set to face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL in the final.

.