“There’s a Transition Period” – After Cristiano Ronaldo Disrespect, Gareth Bale Snubs Kylian Mbappe for Premier League Quartet to Take Over Lionel Messi’s Mantle

The era of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is approaching its final stage. The ends are always bittersweet. However, it gives new talents to take that mantle and shine. Messi and Ronaldo dominated soccer and were the best players of their generation. But now it’s the time to think beyond them.

The fans are already talking of the next generation and the players who will take over the mantle of the GOATs. The former Welsh international Gareth Bale had his say, and he surprisingly snubbed French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Who will take the place of Lionel Messi?

With Lionel Messi moving to MLS to play for Inter Miami, the question is who will be the next superstar to dominate like the Argentine in European soccer. The Former Real Madrid superstar has the answer. Gareth Bale was in conversation with BT Sport ahead of the UEFA Champions League final. They asked him about which player will take over Messi’s mantle.

“[Erling] Haaland is obviously on fire, he’s done well at all the clubs he’s been at. Obviously, more talent will go through. In the Premier League, [Marcus] Rashford is coming through, Grealish, [Phil] Foden, there’s a lot of good players coming through. It’s the same in any sport. There’s a transition period and people will just naturally take over,” Bale said.

To the surprise of many, he snubbed Messi’s former teammate Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe has been in sensational form for the last four to five years. He won the World Cup at 19 and made it to another final the previous year. But he fell short as Argentina beat France. It will be interesting to see who the successors for Messi and Ronaldo could be.

READ MORE: Labelled ‘Egoistical’ by Ex-Teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Sister ‘Adores’ His GOAT Claim in Front of Teammates

Soccer fans think Mbappe and Haaland will be those names who will take over and be the greatest players of their generation. Meanwhile, Bale thinks otherwise after snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo for Messi.

Gareth Bale chose Messi as the best

Bale gave his opinions on various aspects during his conversation. The former Wales international got an unexpected question regarding the best player. The host asked the former Real Madrid superstar to name the best player to have won the UEFA Champions League. His response was ‘Messi’.

Another shocking statement from Bale might have angered Ronaldo fans. Bale played with the Portuguese at Real Madrid for several years. He formed a formidable BBC trio with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Once Bale called Ronaldo the best. However, over time he changed his opinion and chose Messi.

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Do you agree with Gareth Bale? In your opinion, who are the players that will reach the heights of Messi and Ronaldo from this generation? Let us know in the comments below.