5 PSG stars who can outshine Lionel Messi this season (2021-22)

#3 Marquinhos

Marquinhos' defensive skills can outshine Lionel Messi's attacking output

From this season onwards, Marquinhos will have to bear the responsibility of captaining the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos at PSG. The 27-year-old defensive maestro has simply been sensational for the French giants, putting up some brilliant performances on a consistent basis.

Equally adept at playing as a defensive midfielder, Marquinhos is easily one of the best centre-backs in the world. The Brazilian stalwart exudes a commanding presence on the pitch, a necessary trait for any adequate leader. With his contributions, PSG have reigned supreme on the domestic front and are now gearing up to dominate the continental stage.

With 327 appearances for PSG under his belt, Marquinhos has been instrumental for the club. Regardless of the offensive output that Lionel Messi brings to his new side, the Brazilian can comfortably have much more impact for PSG this season.

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#2 Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi has had a lightning start to the new season

While all the other entries have been with PSG for over four years now, Achraf Hakimi is the only newcomer on the list. Unlike the rest of the inclusions, Hakimi is yet to prove his worth at the Parc des Princes. Nevertheless, he is already showing signs of being an absolute superstar for PSG.

The nine-time Ligue 1 champions have been craving for a half-decent full-back ever since Dani Alves vacated the spot in 2019. Since then, PSG have had a hoard of makeshift right-backs on their books, producing average output.

However, in Hakimi, the Parisians have one of the most promising outfield players on their hands. His searing pace, coupled with his ability to provide pinpoint crosses, can be lethal for PSG's attacking prospects. Bought for a sizeable fee of €60 million, Hakimi already has three goals and two assists for his new side.

Lionel Messi will have to pick up his slack soon in order to avoid being overshadowed by the talented Moroccan.

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#1 Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is the favorite to dethrone Lionel Messi

Possibly the most obvious inclusion on this list, Kylian Mbappe, has been knocking on the door of greatness for a long time now. At 22, Mbappe is already one of the best players in the world. Touted to surpass Lionel Messi in the coming future, the Frenchman has a golden opportunity to establish his supremacy this season itself.

Due to his astounding skills as a professional footballer, Real Madrid have been courting Mbappe for a long time. While the prolific youngster came very close to joining Los Blancos this summer, he remains at PSG for the 2021-22 season at least.

At €160 million, Mbappe is the most valuable player in the sport at the moment. Capable of playing anywhere on the frontline, the 49-time capped France international has already racked up a mind-boggling 136 goals and 65 assists in just 178 appearances for PSG.

He famously gave Lionel Messi a run for his money in the 2018-19 European Golden Boot race and has the chance to trump the Argentine at PSG this season.

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