The reason Kylian Mbappé will never be as great as Lionel Messi

A storm of controversy has erupted in France, placing Kylian Mbappé at the center of the debate. The Real Madrid forward, recently recovered from a left hamstring injury, has chosen not to participate in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches for his national team against Israel and Belgium. While Mbappé started in Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal on Saturday, October 5, he opted to skip joining the French squad to avoid any potential physical setbacks, a decision that has not been well-received by fans of Les Bleus.

Many believe that Mbappé is prioritizing his pursuit of the Ballon d’Or over his national team duties. Reports from French media outlet Footmercato suggest that the 25-year-old forward has decided to selectively participate in France's most crucial fixtures, aiming to shine for Real Madrid in order to secure football’s most prestigious individual award. This choice has ignited criticism, particularly in comparison to players like Lionel Messi, who has long made international duty a priority, even traveling extensively to represent Argentina.

Mbappé's Focus on Real Madrid and the Ballon d'Or

According to journalists Santi Aouna and Josué Cassé, Mbappé’s recent decision is rooted in his frustration with the overwhelming number of international fixtures and the frequent interruptions they cause. “Ideally, he would only like to play in important matches for the French national team,” they reported, adding that several French players and officials have echoed similar sentiments about the relentless international schedule.

As the tension between Mbappé and the French national team appears to grow, his resolve to succeed at Real Madrid remains clear. Sources close to the player suggest that the forward is laser-focused on his club career and winning the Ballon d'Or, even if it comes at the expense of his international commitments.

• Kylian Mbappé opted out of France’s UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, despite being fit.
• The Real Madrid star’s decision was driven by concerns about potential injury and a desire to focus on his club career.
• Reports indicate Mbappé prefers to play only in the most important matches for the French national team, as he sets his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or.
• His choice has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, who has consistently prioritized international duty throughout his career.
• The growing tension between Mbappé and the French national team could have long-term implications for his future with Les Bleus.