Lionel Messi opens up on Kylian Mbappe showdown in World Cup final

Lionel Messi was full of praise for Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe for his performance when they met in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.

Argentina beat France on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra-time, claiming their third world title and denying Les Bleus the opportunity to retain the crown.

Messi scored two of La Albiceleste’s three goals, while Mbappe grabbed a sensational hat-trick at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Speaking to PSG TV, Messi discussed one of most memorable finals in the history of the sport.

“It really was a breathtaking final. It was crazy how the match went. Kylian scored three incredible goals, in a final! Not being able to be champion after that was crazy,” he said.

“But he’s already won it too, and he knows what it’s like to be world champion. So yes, it was a great final for the football world. And now it’s true that it’s nice to be able to play in the same team with him, and I hope we can do great things here in Paris.”

Back at club level, PSG are hoping to finally win the Champions League, but they head to Bayern Munich for the second leg of their last 16 tie one goal down after losing at Parc des Princes last month.

“We’re going to Munich, where it’s going to be a very tough match, just like the first one,”  Messi said. “Everything will be decided by small details, especially as it is very difficult to win in this stadium.

“But I think that if we do things right, we are capable of turning things around. We want to continue our journey in the Champions League. And that’s what we will try to do.”