In a refreshing departure from typical narratives of footballing rivalries, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé has offered a surprisingly warm perspective on his relationship with Lionel Messi, dispelling rumors of tension between the two global football stars.
During a recent interview with French television, Mbappé candidly discussed his experiences with Messi, particularly in the aftermath of their dramatic 2022 World Cup final encounter. Despite the intense competition and Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France, Mbappé revealed that the match ultimately brought them closer together.
“After the World Cup final, when I saw Messi at PSG training, I was still so angry,”
Mbappé admitted. “But he told me I had already won it before, and now it was his turn.” This moment of mutual respect highlights the mature relationship between two of football’s most celebrated young talents.
Mbappé went on to praise Messi’s professionalism and skill, stating, “I learned very lot from him. Messi does everything well. You can learn everything from a guy like that.”
He recalled frequently approaching Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain, seeking advice and insights into various aspects of the game.
The interview provides a refreshing counterpoint to the often-toxic narratives surrounding football rivalries, particularly in the context of ongoing debates like the Ronaldo-Messi comparison. Mbappé’s account shows that mutual respect and professional admiration can transcend on-field competition.
Now playing for Real Madrid, one of Messi’s past rivals, Mbappé’s positive comments about his former teammate showcase the potential for genuine camaraderie among top-tier footballers, challenging fans expectations of perpetual animosity between sporting icons.
