KYLIAN MBAPPE allegedly “believes Cristiano Ronaldo is well clear of Lionel Messi in the greatest-of-all-time debate”.

France’s talisman is preparing to face his Paris Saint-Germain strike partner and his Argentina team-mates in the World Cup final this afternoon.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will collide in the World Cup finalCredit: Getty

The French star reportedly believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the king in the ‘GOAT’ debateCredit: Getty

The two of them are both tied on five goals each at the tournament and will be hoping to fire their nation to glory as well as clinch the Golden Boot.

However, Mbappe’s ex-PSG colleague Abdou Diallo, who spent three years playing with the 23-year-old at Parc des Princes before heading to RB Leipzig on loan, has now revealed the forward’s admiration for Ronaldo.

He insists that Mbappe believes the Portuguese veteran, who is now a free agent after leaving Manchester United, is “untouchable” when it comes to talking about the “GOAT”.

And he will argue it for “at least an hour” if anyone tries to claim Messi is better.

He said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is literally everything to Kylian Mbappe.

“If you mention Lionel Messi against Cristiano, Mbappe will debate with you for at least an hour.

“For him, Cristiano is untouchable.”

Messi, 35, and Ronaldo, 37, split opinion when it comes to debating who the best player of the current generation is.

The pair have won a combined 71 trophies during their illustrious careers with both scoring over 700 goals for their clubs and countries.

Messi, who became a team-mate of Mbappe at PSG in 2021, has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, two more than his rival.

Meanwhile Mbappe is hoping to leave his pal heartbroken today by securing his second World Cup winners medal.

He scored in the 2018 final as he helped fire Les Bleus to a 4-2 win over Croatia.