“Just because it’s Mbappe, it doesn’t mean what he says is gospel” - Scaloni hits out at Kylian Mbappe claiming Euros are tougher than World Cup
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has hit out at France striker Kylian Mbappe following his claim that the World Cup is not as tough as the Euros. The Albiceleste manager won the World Cup in Qatar at Les Bleus' expense in the final.
Mbappe has won one World Cup and reached the final twice but has never won the Euros or made the finals.
Speaking in an interview at Copa America, the Argentina boss slammed the implication that the World Cup is not as tough as the Euros, saying:
"The best cup is the one where the best teams play; here in South America, we don't have the best from Europe, and there, they don't have the best from our continent either. If we add up the World Cup titles of South Americans who aren't in the Euro, they total 10 titles."
Scaloni slammed the coverage of Kylian Mbappe's statements, saying:
"Just because it's Mbappé, it doesn't mean what he says is gospel; Modrić said the opposite and nobody mentions it. These are opinions and they are respectable."
The World Cup-winning manager concluded by hailing the quality of other South American teams, saying:
"Colombia is also a football powerhouse, Ecuador is doing very well, Paraguay puts everyone in difficulty, and Chile performs well when they go to the World Cup. I wouldn't dare to say that these teams aren't among the best."
Kylian Mbappe remains at the Euros with France and will be keen to claim the trophy when the tournament concludes. The European Championship is the only national honor the World Cup-winning striker has not won and he will be keen to change that.
Kylian Mbappe looks to capitalise in final group stage game at Euro 2024
Kylian Mbappe and France face eliminated Poland in their final Group D fixture at Euro 2024, knowing they must win the game to top the group. Les Bleus are one of the favorites to win the tournament but have not looked dominant in their two previous games.
With just one goal to their name in the tournament, the French will need to find their shooting boots against their Eastern European opponents if they hope to challenge in the knockout round.
Poland has one of the leakiest defenses at the Euros and France will hope their star-studded attack can get through them.