Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe: Stats Comparison at PSG

We will know Qatar FIFA World Cup for two PSG superstars, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Both of their performance in the final was sensational. However, Messi lifted his first World Cup, as Argentina beat France on penalties. But the duo entertained us throughout the tournament. 

Messi won the Golden Ball for the tournament, while Mbappe got his hands on the Golden Boot. The PSG teammates helped their respective nations to get into the final. Lionel Messi made a move to PSG on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, and since then, the duo has lit up the Ligue1. 

When it comes to most in-form soccer players, the PSG duo makes it to the list currently. But how has Messi fared since joining PSG? Is the duo a hit or miss? Let us dive into the statistical comparison for both.

Stats of Lionel Messi at PSG

Messi shocked the world when he left FC Barcelona for PSG in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer. The first season at PSG didn’t go as expected for the Argentine. The seven-time Ballon d’Or looks settled in Paris this season after below par 2021-22 season.

2021-22 season: Messi had a slow start to his PSG career, and his numbers were not as expected. Messi scored six goals in 26 Ligue1 appearances and had 14 assists. In other competitions, he scored five goals in UEFA Champions League. Overall, Messi scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions in his first season at PSG.

2022-23 season: The former Barcelona star turned the tide in his second season. He has notched 14 goals so far in 25 Ligue1 appearances, providing 14 assists. In the Champions League, the Argentine has four goals and four assists in seven appearances. He also scored a goal in the French Super Cup. In the 2022-23 season, Messi has 19 goals and 18 assists for PSG in 34 appearances.

Stats of Kylian Mbappe for PSG

Mbappe made a name for himself at AS Monaco. He helped the club win Ligue1, which attracted the interest of PSG. They signed him on loan in the summer of 2017, making him the most expensive teenager in the subsequent year. Since then, Mbappe has been scoring goals for fun.

In his first season (2017-18), he scored 21 goals and provided 11 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions. The 2018-19 season saw Mbappe firing all the guns. He was Ligue1 top-scorer for the first time in his career, scoring 33 goals. Mbappe notched 39 goals and provided 13 assists in his second season.

The 2019-20 season was not so great for the PSG superstar. He notched 30 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions in 37 appearances. In the 2020-21 season, Mbappe got 42 goals with 11 assists in all competitions. The next season he got 39 goals and 21 assists. This season Mbappe notched 31 goals and seven assists so far in all competitions. 

Overall, Mbappe has made 252 appearances for PSG, scoring 202 goals and providing 77 assists. 

Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe: Stats for PSG since 2021

In their two seasons together, the duo has won Ligue1 in the 2021-22 season and the French Super Cup in 2022 so far. Comparing their stats, Lionel Messi has made 68 appearances, scoring 30 goals with 32 assists in all competitions. On the other hand, Mbappe notched 70 goals in the same period with 28 assists. 

How has the duo fared for PSG?

The duo has scored a combined 100 goals with 60 assists since the start of the 2021-22 season. They managed to win Ligue1 once and French Super Cup (2022) once so far. They are in contention for another Ligue1 title this season, as PSG leads by six points with eight games to go.

Since the takeover of PSG, QSI has dreamed of the UEFA Champions League. However, the trophy has eluded them since. They broke the bank on many occasions to assemble the UCL winning team, but have failed. The signing of Messi came as a boost for Parisians. But, the duo of Messi and Mbappe hasn’t been able to make their impact in the knockout stages of UCL. 

READ MORE: Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe: Records and Awards Comparison

PSG crashed out of the round of 16 on both occasions (2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons). If reports are to be believed, Messi could leave the Paris club at the end of the season, and we won’t be able to see the Messi-Mbappe duo playing together again.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe: Salary and Net Worth Comparison

What do you think is the reason the Messi-Mbappe duo didn’t manage to inspire PSG in the UEFA Champions League, despite tasting success domestically?