Mbappe tells Messi: ‘I was angry and furious’
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé did not back down in a heartfelt interview with French TV. He covered everything from adjusting to life in Spain to the pressures of being a modern-day footballer. Naturally, the topic of Lionel Messi came up. Their time together at PSG and the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final paint an interesting picture of their dynamic.
The World Cup crash that changed everything
2022 World Cup final. Argentina vs France. A game for all ages. It ended in heartbreak for Mbappe, with Argentina winning on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. For the Frenchman, seeing Messi return to PSG after the final was complicated.
Mbappe confessed, “I was still very angry when I saw Messi at the training ground after the World Cup final.” But Messi had a way of relieving tension. “He said I already won and now it was his turn.”
That perspective changed something. Mbappe confessed, “I was angry, but I respect him because he is Messi.” Their bond grew through shared laughter and mutual respect.
learn from a teacher
Mbappe viewed Messi not only as a teammate but also as a mentor. “Messi does everything well.” he said “You can learn anything from a person like that.” He constantly picked Messi’s brain. “I would go up to him and ask, ‘How do you do this?’ How do you do that?’”
The World Cup final may have been a battlefield, but it laid the foundation for deeper connections.
New road, old rivalry
Now wearing Real Madrid’s iconic white shirt, Mbappe has found himself one of Messi’s former rivals. Still, my respect remains the same. That final didn’t drive a wedge between them, it brought them closer together.
