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French forward Antoine Griezmann has implored people to stop comparing Kylian Mbappe with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. France had a good start to their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Austria.
However, Mbappe had to be subbed off in the 90th minute of the game after a lethal collision with Kevin Danso. The Real Madrid forward started bleeding profusely from his nose, and Deschamps had to replace him with Olivier Giroud.
The match ended with just a solitary goal separating the two sides at the end of extra time. This was an own goal scored by Maximilian Wober in the 38th minute. After a mazing run, Mbappe provided the perfect cross into the penalty box. Fortunately for the French outfit, it hit Austrian defender Wober and looped into the net.
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In an interview published by BFM RMC Sport, Antoine Griezmann commented on the comparisons drawn between the Real Madrid forward and Messi and Ronaldo.
"Kylian is making his career, his path. We have to separate the two, stop comparing one to the other. Even with Leo (Messi) or another player. Everyone writes their story," explained Antoine Griezmann.
France will face the Netherlands in their second fixture on June 22. The match will be crucial for both sides as it will almost seal the deal for the winning team and book their place in the tournament's next round.
Group D is considered by many pundits as one of the toughest groups in the tournament as it contains the likes of France, Austria, Poland and the Netherlands.
Antoine Griezmann compared Kylian Mbappe with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when he destroyed Barcelona with a hattrick in 2021
Antoine Griezmann compared Kylian Mbappe with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when PSG bamboozled Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League 2021 round-of-16 clash. Mbappe scored three scintillating goals to make it 4-1 for the Paris club and drew comparisons with two of the greatest to have ever played in the game.
"I am happy for him. He has been criticised a lot, but that is what happens when you are someone for a little while," commented Antoine Griezmann.
"As soon as he plays less well, we criticise him. It is quite easy. But I believe that PSG have a future star, one who will be on the level of Leo and Cristiano. He had a truly great match," he added.
In terms of individual statistics, Kylian Mbappe has a lot to do before he can dine on the same table as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo boast exceptional individual stats throughout their careers.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest scorer in the Champions League, with 140 goals to his name. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has scored 129 goals in the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe has much to achieve before he can beat those numbers. The Frenchman has scored 48 goals and created 26 more in 73 appearances in the Champions League. The 26-year-old will also need to win at least five Ballon d'Ors before being equated with the two generational torchbearers.
