Florent Malouda | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo | Lamine Yamal | England | Portugal | Harry Kane

Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , former Chelsea and France star Florent Malouda has weighed in on the game's biggest names and the debates defining this World Cup .

The 2006 World Cup finalist has explained why it is too early to compare Lamine Yamal to Messi and Ronaldo , why Lionel Messi 's longevity puts him beyond Maradona , and where the real problem lies for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal .

The Champions League winner has also backed England as favourites against Portugal , named the teams who could stop them, assessed Harry Kane 's Golden Boot hopes, and given his verdict on Mbappe linking up with Jose Mourinho .

The Next Generation

Too Early to Compare Yamal to Messi and Ronaldo?

I think it's too early to compare Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo . I never heard Lamine Yamal saying, I want to be the best in the world. He just has his idol in Messi , and he wanted to be close to what they have achieved, especially for Barcelona .

But with the Spanish national team, you never hear him saying, I want to win the World Cup with the Spanish national team, whereas Messi and Ronaldo , for example, in Portugal and Argentina , it's like they had the whole country on their shoulders. They carry the hopes and expectations of the whole population. So they are different profiles, but potentially, when you look at the qualities, he has what it takes to dominate the game for a long time.

If Spain do win, he will be the key. Like Ronaldo and Messi did, he will have to reinvent himself. He will have to play in different positions as well. So this will be the challenge: how his game will be able to evolve with time, when maybe his pace will slow down. This is where he will be assessed on his football IQ, when he will not be able to rely on his physical abilities.

The GOAT Debate

Would a Second World Cup Make Messi the Greatest Ever?

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo ? I don't think Messi can end the debate this summer, I think this debate will be going forever. Whatever they do, they will still be compared.

But we have to really acknowledge what Messi is doing now at nearly 39. In his first two games, he scored five goals. And the type of aura that he has in the stadium and in his own team, I mean, this is greatness.

So, about the debate, of course, they will look at the result of Portugal against the result of Argentina . Every fan will support their own player. But when we see what he's doing, I don't think even Maradona can be compared in terms of longevity. Pele , I think he won three World Cups . So, he can be compared to Pele as the greatest, but in terms of numbers and statistics, no one is near him.

Did the Manager Make the Right Call on Ronaldo?

This is the main difference between Portugal and Argentina . It's like Cristiano Ronaldo is challenged by his own people. There is a debate in Portugal about whether they should play with Ronaldo or without Ronaldo .

This is not possible in Argentina ; it's clear for everyone that Lionel Messi plays. This is why I think he has to overcome challenges from within. That being said, Portugal , I think they had a slow start. They still need to make sure they go through. You never know. But I think if they manage to find the right balance, which is not the case for now, you don't feel that the team wants to play for him.

It's not about his level; it's about whether the players from the team want to play to his strengths. That's the main thing. So, for this question, I think the manager also has a responsibility to make it happen because I don't honestly see Portugal without Cristiano Ronaldo .

England's Hopes

How Would England vs Portugal Go?

I think for the moment, with what England has shown, England would be the favourite against Portugal . I think they are very dominant, and the players are very energetic. You have Harry Kane 's leadership as well. You see that he is the main guy and that all the young players are really supportive of his leadership.

They also have this hunger to show that they are here to get results. They're not here just to participate. Of course, you had the influence of the good season of Arsenal in the Premier League and in the Champions League . So I think this group of players wants to overcome this semi-final stage. To do that, they will have to beat big nations, and Portugal might be one of them.

How Many Teams Could Beat England?

Who can stop England ? Spain , France , and Argentina , definitely. I like Morocco . Morocco and Japan , as well, have been very impressive. I mean, there will be quite a few surprises. The favourites started well, but I see some teams that are very strong and fearless.

You can feel some teams have been preparing for a while, and you don't feel that they play defensively or try to secure a position. It's like every time they get the chance to create danger, they go for it, and that's why it's very exciting from the games so far. Morocco and Japan play with a different kind of personality, and this might be dangerous.

Can Harry Kane Win the Golden Boot?

If you think about Harry Kane going for the Golden Boot , you have to talk about Lionel Messi . He's in top form. Except for Cristiano Ronaldo , I see all the top scorers and strikers in top shape, very dangerous and clinical.

Messi already has a three-goal advantage, and I think it will be down to the ability of the English team to feed Harry Kane in the right conditions. He looks very sharp, he is a deadly weapon for England , and he has a lot of goals in him. In this competition, he can definitely compete for the Golden Boot , but only if England go far.

Mbappe's Next Chapter

How Will Mbappe Get On With Mourinho at Real Madrid?

Kylian Mbappe and Jose Mourinho ? I think they have the same kind of mindset where they want to prove that they are the best, and I think they have common interests. I think Mourinho is the right profile to maybe put some order in the Real Madrid team.

He's a different manager now. He knows that he needs to engage and create a connection with Kylian Mbappe . I think he will try to build a system around him to allow him to lead the team. Most importantly, they both love football. They have the same passion and dedication to football. What makes them happy is results, and results mean winning trophies. This is the common objective they have. Looking at the signings they're starting to get, I can see there was a reflection on this season.

Mourinho has the expertise to fix the problems that appeared this season. What was expected when Luka Modric left, when they had to renew the midfield, he is the one to try to find this balance to allow someone like Mbappe to score goals, lead, and lift trophies. They can be the perfect combination.

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