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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both inspired Kylian Mbappe, who refused to pick one between the two.
The 23-year-old currently plays with the Argentine maestro at PSG after he idolized Ronaldo as a child. The Frenchman had a difficult time when asked to choose between the two legends, comparing it to being akin to picking one of one's parents.
"Every year I wondered who would win the Ballon d’Or, Messi or Cristiano," Kylian Mbappe was quoted as saying by Goal. "Who do I prefer? It's like choosing between your father or your mother, you can't."
Mbappe went on to praise Messi and Ronaldo for their insane thirst for success that led them to dominate all the major awards in the sport, including the Ballon d'Or for over a decade.
He said:
"As for all those of my generation, the Ballon d'Or is inevitably associated with the battle between Leo and Cristiano. Digging really deep into my memory, I also remember a little bit Ronaldinho (a Ballon d'Or winner in 2005)."
He continued:
"But, frankly, everything is crushed by the greedy two! They have shared the prize for so long. Every year, like everyone else, I wondered which one of them would get it. Looking back, that battle was pretty crazy."
Kylian Mbappe has had the privilege to sit close to Messi and Ronaldo during award galas on many occasions. The PSG winger has revealed that he tries to pay attention to the two players to find out who'd be more upset after missing out.
"On ceremony days, it was fun to watch them when they were next to each other. And trying to figure out from their faces which one looked more angry or upset because they knew they didn't win," the 23-year-old said.
How Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have started the new season
The 2022-23 season has started on a contrasting note for Messi and Ronaldo.
The Argentine appears determined to make up for his slow start to life at PSG last term. He has entered the new season on a high, scoring three goals in as many appearances across competitions.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, is yet to hit the ground running amidst speculation surrounding his future at Manchester United. The Portuguese has fired blanks in his first two games so far and will hope to find his scoring boots next Monday when United host Liverpool.
