What Mbappé said about Messi traverses raw emotion, deep respect, and transformative moments. In this article, StefaKick will accompany you to explore the most revealing quotes, the context behind them, and what they tell us about two legends crossing paths in one of football’s greatest stories.
The Drama After the 2022 World Cup Final
The turning point in their relationship came just after one of football’s most unforgettable finals: Argentina vs. France, 2022 (3–3 in regulation and extra time, Argentina won on penalties). Mbappé scored a hat-trick, Messi scored twice, and yet the script favored Messi.
When Mbappé saw Messi again at PSG training shortly after the final, he revealed: “I was so angry.”
But Messi, with characteristic composure, told him: “You’ve already won one, now it’s my turn.” That disarming line helped break the ice. Mbappé reflected:
“I was furious, but you respect it because it’s Messi. We broke the ice by laughing together. We created memories.”
In that moment, their rivalry and respect intertwined. What Mbappé said about Messi in that phase reveals the shock of defeat and the humility required to rebuild bridges.
Admiration and Learning: The Evolution of Respect
Beyond raw feelings, Mbappé has often expressed deep reverence for Messi’s skills and mindset. In interviews, he has said:
- “Messi does everything well. You can learn everything.”
- “I used to go to him and ask, ‘How do you do this? How do you do that?’”
- “Playing with Leo Messi is something I miss a lot… for a forward like me, with him you have the certainty that you can get the ball. It was a luxury only he can give you.”
These comments show how Mbappé shifted. He recognizes Messi’s ability to open up the game for others and admits how much he gained in those shared moments on the training ground and pitch.
Defending Messi: Respect and Protecting a Legacy
Mbappé hasn’t just praised Messi’s play — he’s defended his dignity. He once lamented that Messi “didn’t receive the respect he deserved” during their time together in Paris. He emphasized:
“He deserves all the respect.”
With the spotlight always glaring, Messi has faced criticism and high expectations. Mbappé’s public support suggests loyalty beyond performance — a recognition that Messi’s legacy transcends his statistics.
Moreover, Mbappé has said he misses the chemistry they had — a forward who can attack spaces with confidence, knowing that Messi’s vision and passes could unlock defenses. That mutual understanding elevated their partnership.
Six Insights from Mbappé’s Recent Interview
In a revealing appearance on French television, Mbappé dropped several key insights about his connection with Messi. Here are six takeaways:
- The final bridged distance — Mbappé believes the 2022 final deepened their bond.
- Frustration met respect — anger gave way to respect due to Messi’s persona.
- He learned more than he scored — Messi’s influence extended beyond goals.
- Their rivalry is not enmity — there was no hatred behind their battles.
- Shared memories built trust — laughter, conversation, and mutual battles forged a bond.
- Admiration is ongoing — even after Messi left PSG, Mbappé often speaks of what he learned and what he misses.
By revisiting that interview, one sees how what Mbappé said about Messi is not just praise, but a narrative of emotional growth and gratitude.
Why Their Dynamic Matters
The exchanges between Mbappé and Messi resonate for several reasons:
- Humanizing superstars: Even the best feel anger, envy, humility, and respect.
- Legacy in motion: Mbappé is considered the next generation, and his words about Messi show how the torch is passed — not by opposition, but by learning.
- Narrative in sport: Their story gives fans a dee. But their real synergy was not just numbers — it was how Messi’s vision complemented Mbappé’s speed and finishing.
Conclusion
What Mbappé said about Messi captures an emotional arc:. In moments of peak tension — such as reuniting after the World Cup final — Mbappé’s raw honesty, tempered by his respect, offers fans a glimpse behind the façade of football’s greatest names.
If you want to read full translated transcripts, rarely seen embedded interviews, or compare their head-to-head performances, StefaKick has you covered. Dive dee, and shared legacy today — because understanding what Mbappé said about Messi means appreciating one of football’s greatest human stories.
