The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Lionel Messi has urged that Argentina’s World Cup final triumph against France in December has not marred his relationship with PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, whose superb hat-trick forced a penalty shoot-out in the enthralling final, suffered the ultimate disappointment as his side failed to defend their world crown in Qatar and watched on as Messi finally got his hands on the illustrious trophy.
Several fans questioned whether the showpiece would fracture the relationship between the two world-class forwards at PSG, especially after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez mocked Mbappe in the Argentina dressing room
During his side’s celebratory bus tour in Argentina, the Aston Villa star also gibingly carried around a doll of the Frenchman whilst standing next to Messi, who seemed to have no problem with his goalkeeper’s antics.
Nevertheless, the 35-year-old was keen to rubbish any idea of a fallout between the pair during an interview this week.
Lionel Messi says his relationship with Kylian Mbappe has not been marred by the World Cup
The Argentine superstar lifted the elusive trophy after beating France on penalties in the final
When asked about their relationship and whether the two had spoken about the final, Messi told Argentine outlet Ole: ‘Yes, we talked about the game, how people living in Argentina celebrated in those days, that I had been on vacation and the festivities we had. And nothing, nothing more – but good, really good.’
However, the ex-Barcelona star does not want to talk excessively about the subject with Mbappe, aware of the pain he is going through having lost the World Cup final against Germany in 2014.
‘I was on the other side too, I had to lose a World Cup final as well and I didn’t want to know anything about that, about what had happened – and nothing that had to do with the World Cup at that time,’ Messi added.
‘That’s why I don’t want to talk about it either. But the truth is that there is no problem with Kylian, quite the opposite.’
Messi, who has scored two league goals in four matches since his return to domestic football, has watched his side slip ever so slightly at the summit of Ligue 1 following their defeat against Rennes and draw with Reims last month.
PSG now only hold a five-point lead over Marseille at the top of the league and face the title rivals in the French Cup on Wednesday.
Mbappe could not hide his disappointment while collecting the golden boot after the match
