Coach Galtier: 'Mbappe congratulated Messi'
"What happened in Argentina? I don't know and that's not my position, but Messi does not disrespect Mbappe," coach Galtier said on December 27. "They shook hands and Mbappe had an exemplary attitude after the defeat. He congratulated both Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni. That's important to me."
In the final of the World Cup 2022, the two stars of PSG both played well. Mbappe scored a hat-trick for France, while Messi scored a brace for Argentina. After drawing 3-3 over 120 minutes, Argentina won 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
In the ensuing fun, many Argentinian players, especially Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, made a joke of Mbappe. In the dressing room after the final, Martinez urged his teammates to observe "a minute of silence for Mbappe". While marching in Argentina, the best goalkeeper of the 2022 World Cup held a doll with Mbappe's face. This joke has angered French football fans and officials, although the reason comes from the fact that before the tournament Mbappe criticized South American football for not developing.
Messi is still in Argentina. Meanwhile, Mbappe has returned to training with PSG just three days after the World Cup final. Coach Galtier said: "Messi will return to training on January 2 or 3. He has completed a great World Cup. After the victory, he had to go back to Argentina to celebrate and we decided to give him. He's off until January 1. He'll have 13 or 14 days to recover."
Currently, PSG leads Ligue I with 41 points after 15 rounds - including 13 wins and two draws. They are also unbeaten in the Champions League group stage and won the French Super Cup match against Nantes. In PSG's unbeaten start to the season, Mbappe contributed 19 goals and five assists. The French striker is leading the list of goals for the capital team. Messi contributed 12 goals and 14 assists.
At the World Cup, Mbappe was crowned top scorer with eight goals, while Messi won the best player award.
Tonight, December 28, PSG will take on Strasbourg in the round of 16.
