Kylian Mbappé Criticizes Treatment of Lionel Messi in France

Just two days after rocking the world of soccer, Kylian Mbappé is back in the headlines to defend Lionel Messi’s exit from PSG.

Mbappé, who will effectively either be sold or become a free agent next summer after saying he won’t activate a player option, expressed his disappointment about the manner of Messi’s departure. After PSG announced the Argentine superstar would leave the club this summer, Messi was booed by home supporters after he left the pitch in his final match with the French champions.

“We are talking about potentially the best player in the history of soccer,” Mbappé told Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. “It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves.

“Personally I didn’t get why so many people were relieved with the fact that he was going. We’re talking about Messi: He should be respected, and instead he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a pity, but that’s how it went. It’s necessary [for the club] to do whatever it can to replace him.”

In two seasons with PSG, Messi recorded 32 goals in 75 matches while also winning two Ligue 1 titles. The 36-year-old is now set to join MLS side Inter Miami in a blockbuster move after fielding interest from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League and Barcelona. 

Meanwhile, Mbappé is dealing with an earth-shaking transfer saga of his own. On Monday, he confirmed that he will not extend his PSG contract beyond next summer. The decision puts PSG in a tricky position: Either sell the 24-year-old superstar this summer with Real Madrid favored or potentially lose him on a free transfer next summer.

“I didn’t ask to be sold, nor to go to Real Madrid,” Mbappé said. “I only confirmed that I don’t want to activate the option for another year. With PSG we never talked about renewing, but I am happy to stay here next season.”