Kylian Mbappé has opened up about how the unforgettable World Cup final shaped his connection with Lionel Messi. Speaking about their time together at Paris Saint-Germain after Argentina's dramatic victory, Mbappé shared the emotional aftermath of the match and how it influenced their bond.
“After the World Cup final, when I saw Messi back at PSG training, I was still furious,” Mbappé admitted, recalling the intense feelings following France's loss. Despite scoring a stunning hat-trick during the final, Mbappé's efforts fell short as Argentina triumphed in the penalty shootout, securing Messi’s long-awaited World Cup title.
However, a simple conversation with Messi shifted Mbappé’s perspective. “He told me I had already experienced winning it, and now it was his turn,” Mbappé revealed. Those words, though humble, left a lasting impression on the young forward.
“I was angry, but you can’t help but respect it because it’s Messi,” he said.
The two superstars managed to move past their intense rivalry on the pitch and forge a deeper connection. “We broke the ice by laughing together, realizing we had just shared a battle that would go down in history. It created memories we’ll always carry.”
Mbappé also reflected on the lessons he has learned from Messi during their time as teammates. “That final brought us closer. I’ve gained so much from him, both as a player and as a person.”
The World Cup final not only highlighted their competitive spirits but also solidified a mutual respect and camaraderie between two of the greatest footballers of this era. Their bond, born out of one of the most iconic matches in football history, stands as a testament to the power of sportsmanship and shared experiences.