“Even if he doesn’t have the magic of Messi” – Fabio Capello names player who is better than Lionel Messi at the moment and it is not Erling Haaland

Former England manager Fabio Capello has claimed that Kylian Mbappe is currently a better player than Lionel Messi.

Both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstars have had tremendous seasons. Mbappe has scored 36 goals and provided nine assists in 39 games across competitions. Messi, meanwhile, has scored 20 goals and assisted 19 in 37 games.

The duo also had a spectacular FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi helped Argentina lift the trophy by beating France in the final, winning the Golden Ball in the process. Mbappe, meanwhile, won the Golden Boot and scored a hat-trick in the final.

Many fans and pundits believe Messi and Erling Haaland have been two of the best players this season. However, Capello has opined that Mbappe is a better player than the Argentine ace. He said at the Laureus Awards ceremony (via MARCA):

"Messi has done what he has done throughout his career and over so many years and he is fantastic. He has been the best for several years. But at the moment Mbappe is better. He's strong, he's quick, he's scores goals. Even if he doesn't have the magic of Messi."

Mbappe, 24, is currently the joint top scorer in Ligue 1 this season with 24 goals, tied with Alexandre Lacazette. Messi, meanwhile, is the top assist provider with 15 assists.

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Lionel Messi's PSG suspension shortened: Reports

PSG suspended Lionel Messi after he reportedly took an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia after their 3-1 Ligue 1 loss against Lorient. He then shared a video message, apologizing to his teammates, the club, and the fans.

As per ESPN, PSG have now decided to shorten the Argentine forward's suspension, which was believed to be for two weeks. He didn't feature in their 3-1 win over Troyes in Ligue 1 last weekend.

Lionel Messi was back in training on Monday (May 8) but trained alone. He is expected to return to first-team training on Tuesday. He is likely to feature for PSG against Ajaccio on Saturday, May 13.

The 35-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Parisian club after his contract expires in the summer. Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have reportedly made a big offer for Messi. Barcelona are also making attempts to bring the club legend back to Spotify Camp Nou.