Forward for Paris Saint-Germain Kylian Mbappe has criticised how his teammate Lionel Messi has been treated during his two years in the French city.
- Messi leaves PSG this month
- Subject to abuse during time at club
- Mbappe demands “respect” for Argentine
WHAT HAPPENED? As his contract with the capital club expires this month, the erratic Argentine made the announcement last week that he would be going. His turbulent time in Paris will come to an end as he begins a new journey with Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer. Even Messi, who is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, was not immune to the abuse directed at him by the club’s hardcore fan base, which Mbappe has condemned.
WHAT THEY SAID: The 24-year-old Frenchman has told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “We are 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 understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone. We are talking about Messi. He needs to be respected, and instead he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a shame, but that’s how it happened. We will have to do what we can to replace him.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: With Messi gone and Neymar seemingly with one foot out the exit door, there could be a summer of generational change at PSG. However, it has been reported that Mbappe may not stick around either. Despite the player’s insistence he will see out his current deal through to 2024, the Parisians are thought to be unwilling to let him leave on a free transfer next summer. PSG could, therefore, start the next campaign with an entirely new front three – one of whom looks to have already been signed.
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(C)Getty Images
Getty Images
WHAT NEXT? For that to happen, though, a suitable club would need to come in with the funds to lure the Frenchman away from his homeland. That seems likely to be Real Madrid, who are reportedly willing to fork out up to €200 million (£174m/$216m).
