Lionel Messi is the PSG star who makes the 'difference' - NOT Kylian Mbappe

Lionel Messi is the Paris Saint-Germain star who makes the 'difference' - NOT Kylian Mbappe, claims former France manager Raymond Domenech.

Messi has starred for PSG this season and appears to be back to his very best, having weighed in with goals and assists.

He's scored nine goals in all competitions and registered an impressive 10 assists for PSG this season.

Messi continued his fine form in his side's most recent win over Ajaccio last Friday, scoring a sublime goal and setting up Mbappe twice.

He dropped a sensational showing, with Domenech claiming the seven-time Ballon d'Or is the difference-maker.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring for PSG. Image: Alamy

The 70-year-old said via Sports Brief: "In Paris, now it's Messi that wins the games. He makes a difference.

"Mbappe could have very good games but the one that makes the difference is always Messi."

He added: "Messi is the most wonderful player I have ever seen. He is able to do everything that hasn't been seen.

"There are players that do interesting things but he does things that we haven't seen before."

Domenech, who managed France from 2004 to 2010, has snubbed his fellow countryman, opting for the Argentine ace.

He's not the only person who has hailed Messi this season as PSG boss Christophe Galtier called Messi the 'best player of all time' in glowing praise following the win over Ajaccio.

"These are always tricky matches, Ajaccio did well to put us under pressure for 25 minutes. From the moment the pressure went down and we managed to keep possession, we created some interesting chances, like with the first goal," he said after the final whistle. "The players put in a good performance on a technical level.

"The pace was less intense in the second half and we were in technical control. We had some key moments and didn’t score, which gave Ajaccio some hope, before our two magnificent goals, including Messi’s.

"People come to the stadium to watch Leo play - he’s the best player of all time. He likes playing with the others, he has this quality of wanting to play with others, he is very altruistic and he was amazing on the second goal."