Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at 24: Who Scored the Most Goals and Won More Trophies?

One of the biggest future soccer stars, Kylian Mbappe, celebrated his 24th birthday on 20th December 2022. It came just two days after losing the 2022 World Cup final against Lionel Messi (35) led Argentina. Soccer fans who always tend to compare soccer players are now drawing comparisons between Messi, who won his first World Cup at 35, and Mbappe.

Although drawing a comparison between a 35-year-old and a 24-year-old won’t make sense. So let’s look at the statistics when Messi was 24. However, it’s noteworthy that both players have played in different leagues at 24. 

Comparing the goal-scoring exploits between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at 24

Lionel Messi started his early career at Newell’s Old Boys in 1995 before moving to the Barcelona Academy in 2000. His rise to the first team started in 2003 when he made his debut at the age of 16 years and 145 days against FC Porto in a friendly. Messi signed his first professional contract in February 2004.

Kylian Mbappe rose to prominence from the AS Monaco academy. He made his debut at the age of 16 years and 347 days in a Ligue 1 match on 2nd December 2015. Three months later, Mbappe signed his first contract in March 2016 for three seasons. He then sealed an approx $190 million move to Ligue1 rivals PSG.

At the age of 24, Messi made 326 appearances in all competitions for the Barcelona first team and Argentina, scoring 197 goals and providing 84 assists. He had 1o career hat-tricks by then. On the other hand, Mbappe has 253 goals in 363 appearances in all competitions for club and country. He has provided 132 assists and has 14 hat-tricks.

Messi won the Pichichi (top scorer in La Liga) trophy once in 2009-10 and had a European Golden Shoe once at 24. Although Mbappe is yet to win a European Golden Shoe, he finished as Ligue 1 top scorer four times in the 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 seasons so far with a FIFA Golden Boot in the 2022 World Cup.

How did the trophy cabinet look for both players at 24?

Lionel Messi won 20 trophies at 24, including the Olympics Gold in 2008 and FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005. Messi won five La Liga titles with Barcelona (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11) at 24. He also won three UEFA Champions Leagues (2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11) by then. 

The domestic triumphs included Copa del Rey once (2008-09) and five Spanish Super Cups (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011). To add to these trophies, Messi had two UEFA Super Cups (2009, 2011), three UEFA Champions Leagues (2006, 2009, 2011), and two Club World Cups (2009, 2011). He was a part of the treble-winning Barcelona side in 2008-09 under Pep Guardiola. Messi had no international trophies with Argentina at 24.

On the other hand, Mbappe won 17 trophies at 24, including two youth career trophies. He is a five-time Ligue 1 champion (four with PSG: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, and once with AS Monaco: 2016-17). The domestic triumphs include three French Cups (2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21), two French League Cups (2017-18, 2019-20), and three French Super Cups (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21).

Read More: Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe at 24: Who Cashed In a Higher Salary & Accumulated More Net Worth?

He won his first FIFA World Cup aged 19 in 2018 and won another international trophy, the UEFA Nations League, in 2021. Although, the player hasn’t won UEFA Champions League at 24. 

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Although Messi had no international trophies to his name at 24, he was a three-time Balon d’Or winner by then, compared to none by Mbappe. Let us know your thoughts on the careers of Messi and Mbappe at 24. Who do you think was better?