"This final brought us even closer" - Kylian Mbappe on playing alongside Lionel Messi at PSG after France's 2022 World Cup loss

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe recently opened up about playing alongside Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after France's 2022 FIFA World Cup final loss to Argentina. Messi and Mbappe featured together in 67 games across competitions for PSG between 2021 and 2023, recording 34 joint-goal participations.

While Mbappe and Messi were teammates at PSG, the two faced each other in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar. La Albiceleste and Les Blues played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Messi scoring a brace and Mbappe netting a hat-trick.

However, the Barcelona legend had the last laugh as Argentina eventually won 4-2 on penalties. Messi won the Golden Ball in the 2022 FIFA World Cup while Mbappe won the Golden Boot with eight goals.

In an interview with French channel Clique TV, Mbappe opened up about playing alongside Messi after their iconic clash in the 2022 World Cup final. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

"The World Cup final vs Messi? I was furious as hell. You know, you're a little apprehensive (about being reunited at the club). But the first thing, we laughed. He told me 'Hey, you've already won once.' This final brought us even closer. You learn everything from him, he does everything well.”

Messi has faced Mbappe four times for club and country. The Inter Miami ace has won once and lost twice while one game ended in a draw.

The Argentine legend notably faced Mbappe in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, with Les Blues winning 4-3. Their second international clash was the 2022 World Cup final. The other two faceoffs were Barcelona's UEFA Champions League games against PSG while Messi was at Barca.

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"He didn't receive the respect he deserved" - When Kylian Mbappe weighed in on Lionel Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain

L to R: Mbappe and Messi - Source: Getty

In a January 2024 interview with Amazon Prime Sport, Kylian Mbappe acknowledged that Lionel Messi was not respected enough during his two-season stint at PSG.

Mbappe said (via Fox Sports):

"You always miss playing with Leo Messi. For a forward like me, you love running into space, with him [in your team] you are certain you can get the ball. It's a luxury that only he can give you. Overall, playing with him has been special. Messi deserves all the respect and actually in France, he didn't receive the respect he deserved."

Lionel Messi was often booed in home matches while playing for PSG, especially after he failed to lead the French giants to a UEFA Champions League title in his first season. However, he helped PSG win two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophée des Champions. The legendary forward contributed 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 games across competitions for the Ligue 1 heavyweights.

PSG fans further turned against Lionel Messi after Argentina beat France in the 2022 World Cup final. In an interview with ESPN, the Barca legend claimed he was not honored by PSG after his World Cup triumph.

Messi left PSG to join MLS side Inter Miami in 2023 while Mbappe joined Real Madrid in 2024.