PSG duo named in 100 most influential people of 2023

Paris Saint-Germain attacking duo of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been listed among the 100 most influential people in 2023 as published by TIME Magazine.

Messi and Mbappe were exceptional at the last edition of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as the two combined scored 15 goals at the end of the premier football carnival.

The two went neck and neck in the final at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 18 - a game that saw Messi score a brace with Mbappe responding with a historic hat-trick.

Messi, 35, ultimately emerged the victor after La Albiceleste triumphed 4-2 on penalties after extra time.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner finally got his hands on the greatest accolade football can afford him.

The ex-Barcelona forward also emerged as the best player of the tournament after guiding Argentina to its third FIFA World Cup glory.

Kylian Mbappe on the other hand won the Golden Boot award after scoring 8 goals in the tournament.

Whereas their immense contribution to the national team is not in doubt, Messi and Mbappe have failed to deliver at the club level.

The Ligue 1 champions were edged by Bundesliga title holders Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League.

WDN