The Bayern Munich star says the two young strikers will have many challengers for the ‘best player in the world’ title.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivalry has shaped an essential part of football’s history in recent years. The pair have dominated the individual awards and records while winning several team trophies both at the club and international levels.
With Ronaldo and Messi reaching the latter stages of their careers, many observers wonder if football fans can see another iconic rivalry unfold over the course of the coming years. As of now, the two primary candidates for such a rivalry are PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.
Despite the pair’s incredible quality, however, Robert Lewandowski believes they would not be able to form a long-lasting domination like that of Messi and Ronaldo.
“They have the ability. But who knows if in the next two or three years, other young strikers will not reveal themselves in turn?” The Bayern star told France Football of the pair (via Goal).
“I can’t imagine for a moment that they will dominate international soccer as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have done for the last 12 years.
“Those two have made so much history by winning all the trophies possible. In the next 10 years, I think there will be several players competing to be the best player in the world.”
Both Haaland and Mbappe are subject to widespread rumours around their next clubs. Mbappe is close to joining Real Madrid on a free summer deal after rejecting Paris Saint-Germain’s several contract renewal offers.
On the other hand, several elite clubs are racing to sign Haaland next summer. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United are his main suitors. However, his £68m release club can tempt any elite club to go after his signature in the next months.
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