Kylian Mbappe ‘will never reach Lionel Messi’s level’ says football legend McCoist who blasts criticism of Barca ace

KYLIAN MBAPPE 'will never reach Lionel Messi's level' despite having a great career ahead of him, according to a raging Ally McCoist.

The former Scottish striker turned pundit, 58, fumed as people appeared to write Messi, 33, off after the Argentine great was outshone by the Frenchman.

Mbappe, 22, bagged a sensational hat-trick as Mauricio Pochettino's side thumped Barcelona 4-1 in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night.

Rangers legend McCoist was responding to claims from Antoine Griezmann that Mbappe will get to the levels of GOAT duo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The radio presenter said on talkSPORT: "I'm not sure he will [be the same class]. I'm telling you right now I'm not sure he will.

"I do not think for a minute Mbappe can do things with the ball that Messi can do.

"Messi is one of the greatest players that has ever lived on this Earth, by the way.

"Mbappe is an excellent young player who will go on to be fantastic – there's a difference.

"If somebody's going to tell me Mbappe is going to outshine Messi as a football player, I would be staggered if that's the case.

"He'll go on to have a great career and he will be an absolutely top player.

"Are we writing Messi off!? This is annoying me! He's one of the best the planet has ever seen!"

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Many were quick to herald a changing of the guard as Mbappe's goals and one from Everton loanee Moise Kean capped a remarkable comeback for PSG given Messi's penalty had put them behind after 27 minutes.

And Ronaldo fared no better with his Juventus side going down 2-1 to Porto on Wednesday with both goals coming seconds after the kick-off in either half.

Erling Haaland praised Mbappe for inspiring him after a stunning brace helped Borussia Dortmund beat Sevilla 3-2 and give the Norwegian yet more goalscoring records.

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