Lionel Messi: Mbappe Bemoans World Cup Winner’s Disrespectful Treatment in France During PSG Stay

Lionel Messi: Mbappe Bemoans World Cup Winner’s Disrespectful Treatment in France During PSG Stay

Elijah Odetokun
updated at June 14, 2023 at 9:56 AM
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Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
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K.Mbappé
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FIFA World Cup
International
  • Lionel Messi ended his two-year stay in France and will head to the United States
  • The Argentine joined Paris Saint-Germain after shockingly leaving Barcelona in 2021
  • Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on Messi's departure and how he was treated during his time in Ligue 1

Lionel Messi endured a difficult two years in France with Paris Saint-Germain, and Kylian Mbappe is not impressed by how his fellow citizens treated him.

After the shocking announcement that Messi would not continue at Barcelona in 2021, he chose Paris Saint-Germain as his next destination, signing a two-year contract.

He had an underwhelming first year under compatriot Mauricio Pochettino, where he scored six league goals. He was rejuvenated under Christophe Galtier and led Argentina to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating France in the final.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, PSG, Clermont Foot, Paris, France.
Lionel Messi embrace Kylian Mbappe after the France international scored PSG's second goal in the 3-2 loss to Clermont Foot. Photo by Ian MacNicol
Source: Getty Images

According to Mirror UK, the 35-year-old confirmed that everything changed after the Qatar triumph. He then departed Ligue 1 for the Major League Soccer in the United States.

Mbappe questions Messi’s treatment

Mbappe has spoken on the former Barcelona star’s departure and admitted he expected far more from his countrymen towards him.

“We’re talking about potentially the best player in the history of football. It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves. Personally, I don’t quite understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a shame, but that’s how it went. We will have to do what we can to replace him.”

PSG could be without the famous front three next season. Brazilian playmaker Neymar is set to leave after the club ultras protested at his house.

Mbappe also wrote a letter informing the club he would not extend his contract, which expires in 2024. The notice infuriated the club, and they want him sold this summer to avoid losing him for free next summer.

Piers Morgan trolls Messi

Sports Brief reported that British broadcaster and Cristiano Ronald’s ally, Piers Morgan trolled Messi for moving to the MLS at 35.

Ronaldo was heavily criticised for moving to Saudi Arabia for money at 37 after his interview with Morgan got him into trouble at Manchester United.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.