Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe: who had better stats at 23?

The world awaits the final between Argentina and France in FIFA World Cup 2022.

Argentina and France play the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Sunday at Lusail Iconic Stadium. The PSG teammates will go head-to-head against each other for football's most coveted prize.

Not only will France and Argentina, two of the best teams ever, be competing for the FIFA World Cup 2022 title, but the two top players, Messi and Ronaldo, would be at opposite ends of their careers, making for a matchup that promises to be a true spectacle.

On the one hand, Lionel Messi, winner of seven Ballon d'Or awards, would like to add one more to his collection. Kylian Mbappe who is only 23 years old, would be aiming to become the first player since Pele in 1962 to win his first two FIFA World Cups.

Here is a look at the comparison of the 23-year-old stats of Messi and Mbappe ahead of what promises to be a thrilling final between Argentina and 2018 champions France.

Messi vs Mbappe stats at age of 23

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Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have had an excellent FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament so far, as they are currently tied for the golden boot with five goals each after six games. While the two superstars are neck and neck in terms of goals in this year's tournament, their figures at the age of 23 were not so close.

Mbappe, who will turn 24 on December 20, has already played 302 games and scored 225 goals in all competitions at the age of 23. Messi, on the other hand, played 269 games and scored 180 goals across all competitions at the age of 23. While Messi (82) and Mbappe (111) have a similar level of difference in assists across all competitions, they do have a similar number of major titles won. Messi has 11 victories, while Mbappe has 12.

While Mbappe is on track to surpass Messi's spectacular achievements at the age of 23, it is crucial to remember that the Frenchman will also be expected to sustain his current level for another decade or so, which will be far from easy.

Lionel Messi

Matches - 269

Goals - 181

Assists - 82

International Caps - 57

International Goals - 17

Kylian Mbappe

Matches - 303

Goals - 225

Assists - 111

International Caps - 66

International Goals - 36

**This article was last updated on 18 December 2022.