Everyone knows who Kylian Mbappe is now. But, 12 months ago, things weren't so clear.

While his talent was obvious to a few with close knowledge of the prodigy, he has become almost a household name amongst football fans the world over since his breakout season with Monaco and subsequent move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Although most comparisons about Mbappe have revolved around compatriot Thierry Henry, his phenomenal talent at such a young age has led to Lionel Messi's name entering the fray, too.

Messi didn't start quite as hot as Mbappe. As a teenager in the first team, Messi scored 26 goals in his first 70 games over three seasons. He didn't hit double figures until his third season at the Nou Camp.

Mbappe, on the other hand, has 30 in his first 66 games already and only one full season under his talented belt.

A man who played with a young Lionel Messi - and, was ultimately sold because of his rise - is Frenchman Ludovic Giuly.

Now retired, Giuly told Spanish outlet RMC via FourFourTwo: "Kylian has great potential.

"He has everything needed to be great; he is professional, he is mentally strong, he chose PSG in order to grow.

"Mbappe is more professional than Messi at the same age. He knows how to manage his body better. Leo [Messi] had a lot of worries with his health during his growth. It was more complicated for him.

"Kylian has the advantage of understanding himself and recovering well."

Messi did struggle physically in the early going of his career, but his talent was very evident as well.

We're not sure if being at a disadvantage physically means you're not as professional, but perhaps Giuly means that Mbappe takes his physical well-being a lot more seriously than a young Messi did.

That being said, sports science has made great strides over the last decade and Mbappe will undoubtedly be more aware of the tolls and effects on his body than Messi was.

Still, regardless of Mbappe's electric start to his career, he has a long way to go before he can have a career that is spoken of in the same light as the great Messi.