Kylian Mbappe Reflects on Seeing Lionel Messi After 2022 World Cup Final Loss

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The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France remains one of the most thrilling matches in football history. Held in Qatar, the encounter saw Lionel Messi's Argentina edge past Kylian Mbappe's France in a penalty shootout after a pulsating 3-3 draw.

Mbappe, who scored a remarkable hat-trick in the final, recently opened up about facing Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) training after the heartbreaking loss. In a candid interview with French television, Mbappe admitted he was initially apprehensive about seeing Messi again.

"After the World Cup final, when I saw Messi at PSG training, I was still so angry," he said. "But he told me I had already won it before, and now it was his turn. I was furious, but you respect it because it's Messi. We broke the ice by laughing together because we had fought a battle. I think that final brought us closer together."

The 25-year-old also highlighted the impact Messi had on him during their time together at PSG. "Messi does everything well. You can learn everything from a guy like that. I used to go up to him and ask, 'how do you do this? how do you do that?'" Mbappe remarked, emphasizing the admiration he holds for the Argentine legend.

The World Cup final itself was a historic affair. Argentina took an early 2-0 lead, with Messi scoring a penalty and Ángel Di María adding another. However, Mbappe brought France back into the game with two quick goals late in the second half.

The drama continued in extra time, with Messi and Mbappe both adding to their tallies before Argentina triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout, thanks to Emiliano Martinez's heroics. Since leaving PSG, both players have embarked on new journeys.

Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he has achieved significant success, while Mbappe moved to Real Madrid. However, Mbappe's stint at Madrid has been less than stellar, as he adapts to playing a central role in the attack.

Despite the World Cup heartbreak, Mbappe's reflections on Messi underscore the respect and camaraderie that grew between the two football icons, even after one of the most intense matches of their careers.