Messi vs Mbappe: The Qatar sheikh’s dream World Cup final
France beat Morocco 2-0 in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and they will take on Argentina in game that will take place on Sunday at 16:00 CET – 09:00 CT – in Doha.
Paris Saint-Germain teammates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will face each other, as the dream of Qatar’s sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has finally come true.
Back in 2005, he founded Qatar Sports Investments, through which he bought 70 percent of the Ligue 1 club. He also promoted various international sporting events in Qatar before hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been in charge of boosting Qatar’s brand image, with Al Thani providing the PSG president with the capital to sign players such as Neymar, Mbappe and Messi.
The World Cup, PSG’s brand image and the Mbappe factor
This year’s World Cup in Qatar has been the cornerstone of the sheikh’s sporting project for several years. The event will now culminate in an almost idyllic way for the brand images of both PSG and Qatar Sports Investments as their franchise player, Mbappe, will face one of the finest players of all time in Messi. The title, the MVP award and top scorer of the tournament prize will all be at stake on Sunday.
PSG always wanted Mbappe to represent the club in Qatar and did everything possible to convince him to stay put last summer, when his contract was about to expire.
He is now one step away from winning his second consecutive World Cup at just 23 years of age provided Messi and the Albiceleste do not prevent him from doing so. In any case, whatever happens, PSG may consider themselves winners.
Even France president Emmanuel Macron took advantage of his visit to congratulate Qatar for hosting the World Cup, thus demonstrating the good relations between the European country and the hosts.
“Sport must bring people together,” Macron declared.
“Sometimes, countries that don’t talk to each other politically talk to each other because of sport.
“I was able to see the Emir of Qatar. Also, you have to recognize that Qatar is organizing this competition particularly well. Security is good.”
An uncertain future for both players
Messi has the option to extend his contract with PSG for one more year at the end of the season. Both parties agreed that this matter would be dealt with after the World Cup.
As for Mbappe, the same clause is included in the Frenchman’s contract, which expires in 2024, when he will be called to decide whether he will depart or stay for another year.
Earlier this season, it was leaked that Mbappe is not pleased at PSG and would be willing to depart in January – something that seems highly unlikely.
Source: Marca
