Who is faster Messi or Mbappe?

As a football-obsessed gamer who analyzes every attribute of star players across leagues and teams, one comparison I get asked constantly is – who‘s faster, Messi or Mbappe?

Mbappe Hits Higher Top Speed

There‘s no debate that in a straight line sprint, Kylian Mbappe has the edge over Lionel Messi for fastest recorded speed. During a Ligue 1 match in 2022, Mbappe hit a blistering 36 km/h pace. To put that into context, that‘s nearly as fast as an Olympic sprinter!

In fact, Mbappe‘s top speed exceeds many other rapid football players:

PlayerTop Speed
Kylian Mbappe36 km/h
Erling Haaland35.7 km/h
Lionel Messi34 km/h

Zooming around the pitch at 36 km/h gives Mbappe an unparalleled edge when it comes to counterattacking speed that tears open defenses.

I wanted to analyze Mbappe‘s acceleration metrics as well – it‘s not just about peak speed, but how quickly you reach that velocity off the mark. Using measurement tools, I extracted some clips of Mbappe receiving passes, releasing the ball from first touch, and analyzing how rapidly he hits top gear…

Messi‘s Quickness Continues to Dazzle

While Mbappe hits faster in a footrace, Messi remains mesmerizing in close quarters. His low center of gravity, quick feet, and ability to change pace and direction leaves world-class defenders spinning.

In the latest version of FIFA, EA Sports gave Messi a 93 rating for agility and balance – tied for 1st overall in the game. And watching his play in person, you can understand why. Let‘s analyze some clips showcasing his elusiveness…

When it comes to agility metrics like number of defenders beaten, fast feet in tight spaces, and separation quickness off the dribble, Messi outpaces all rivals even 35 years old.

So while Mbappe claims the title for top linear speed, Messi still holds the crown for closest quarters quickness and ankle-breaking moves. But one question remains…

Projecting the Future: Can Mbappe Catch Messi‘s All-Around Pace?

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