'Wants to be a World Champion,': Lionel Messi counters to Kylian Mbappe's EURO superiority over WC

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, will be entering the Copa America to lead Argentina after his historic triumph in the FIFA World Cup 2022, where he led his team to victory over France. His unmatched skill and leadership make him the linchpin of the Argentine side. Meanwhile, France's captain, Kylian Mbappe, eyes Euro glory, asserting that the European Championship poses a greater challenge than the World Cup. His ambition to achieve success in the Euro reflects the tournament's competitive nature and formidable stature in the world of football.

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Lionel Messi counters Kylian Mbappe’s statement on Euros being tougher than the World Cup

Reacting to Kylian Mbappe's claim that the European Championship is harder than the World Cup was Lionel Messi. The Argentine player maintained that the EUROs cannot be regarded as better because they do not have three well-known World Cup-winning countries.

Messi revealed to Martin Arevalo of ESPN that because South American teams are not allowed, the EURO cannot easily surpass the World Cup. Emphasising the importance of these triumphs, he pointed out that Argentina had won the World Cup three times, Brazil five times, and Uruguay twice. Lionel Messi said: 

“He also said that the South American teams didn't have the competition of the Europeans. Everyone values what they play. The EURO's is very important, but it leaves out Argentina, 3-time world champion; Brazil, 5-time world champion; Uruguay, two-time world champion.”

“There are many world champions left out to say that the Euro is the most difficult, right? In the World Cup, the best teams are there, all the world champions are generally there. That's why everyone wants to be world champion.”

Lionel Messi is waiting for the Copa America to start next week, while Germany is playing Scotland this weekend to open the EURO Championship.

Speaking with the media earlier this month, Kylian Mbappe said that the EURO is more difficult than the FIFA World Cup. As reported by BOLA VIP, he underlined the increased pressure and the comparable play style. Kylian Mbappe said:

 “The Euros are complicated. For me, more complicated than a World Cup. Even if there is more pressure at the World Cup. All the teams know each other, we play against each other all the time. Tactically, it is a very similar soccer.”

Kylian Mbappe will be seen in action for Lionel Messi’s biggest rivals, Real Madrid. The French captain left PSG for free last month to join the Spanish giants.