Leo Messi versus Kylian Mbappé, the greatest talent of recent decades against the already brilliant star of contemporary football
In Paris they say Messi and Mbappé have never bonded too much. And there are even those who speak of a deep antipathy that has never been resolved.
The footballing esteem between the two talents is mutual, and it could not be otherwise. But the rumours insist not only on opposing Mbappé and Messi as playing styles and personalities, but also from a human point of view. Do the Argentinean and the Frenchman hate each other? The controversial relationship between the two champions has never blossomed into friendship nor has it developed in the best way so far. Month after month, it has been getting worse and worse.
As a young boy, Kylian idolised Cristiano Ronaldo. And, not surprisingly, he chose his own jersey number in honour of CR7. In all interviews, Kylian Mbappé never mentioned Leo Messi as his role model. He spoke of Ronaldo the Phenomeno and CR7, of Cantona and Thierry Henry. Never a word about the Argentinean 10.
And Messi, for his part, never liked certain displays of lese majesty. In Paris, he expected a role as a technical leader and a dressing room ready to pay him due honours. But he found Mbappé, who slowly, almost quietly, returned to the centre of the project, almost overshadowing the Argentine.
On Sunday in Doha the two champions will compete not only for the World Cup but also for the sceptre of best player of the moment.
Messi versus Mbappé: the relationship between the two champions
Officially, the two great champions maintain cordial relations. Kylian speaks Spanish and is a respectful guy. But up to a certain point. On the pitch, in fact, he wants to be a star player and is not afraid of Messi’s name or the age difference. They have long claimed in Paris that a deep footballing understanding never developed between the two and that there is even some animosity.
Leo Messi
Things had started well: when Messi arrived in 2021, the Frenchman had made himself available and made it clear that he was ready to sacrifice himself. A few months, and everything changed.Mbappé, a little upset with Leonardo, even threatened to leave for Madrid.
Neymar has hinted that he has been cornered at the club and has lost positions in the hierarchy by Mbappé himself. And Messi has always been a good friend of the Brazilian. It also seems that after the departure of Di Maria and Paredes, there was a rift in the PSG dressing room. Messi and Neymar on one side. Mbappé on the other.
After the three-year €282m net renewal, the Frenchman also became the team’s leading penalty taker, thus ousting Neymar and Leo. And, according to L’Equipe, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner did not like it too much. It is rumoured that he therefore wants to take revenge, to show the world who the real phenomenon is. The opportunity will come in a few hours.