'There is NO problem with Kylian': Lionel Messi insists his World Cup victory has NOT damaged his relationship with Mbappe - but admits he 'doesn't want to talk about it' with his PSG team-mate as he understands his pain after losing the final in 2014
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 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.
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.
Source: Dailymail