2025-10-12 18:49:01
Ritabrata Banerjee’Totally normal person’ – Kylian Mbappe reveals what it was like to play with Lionel Messi at PSG and why he ‘wants to thank’ Inter Miami starKylian Mbappe has opened up on what it was like to play with Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain and also revealed why he ‘wants to thank’ the Inter Miami star. Mbappe played alongside Messi for two seasons in the French capital after the Argentina captain moved to the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer after leaving boyhood club Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
Kylian Mbappé recently shared an intimate portrayal of his time alongside football legend Lionel Messi during their two-season stint at Paris Saint-Germain, describing the Argentine icon as a “totally normal person” despite his global superstardom. In candid revelations, the French superstar detailed how Messi’s unassuming demeanor and relentless work ethic in training sessions shattered any preconceived notions of ego or arrogance often associated with elite athletes. Mbappé emphasized that Messi’s humility extended beyond the pitch, recounting instances where the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would quietly engage with staff and younger players, fostering a cohesive locker room atmosphere that elevated the entire squad’s performance. This grounded approach, Mbappé insisted, made Messi not just a teammate but a stabilizing force during PSG’s high-pressure campaigns in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League.
The forward further elaborated on the unique learning opportunities Messi provided, revealing how the Argentine’s visionary passing and spatial intelligence transformed his own understanding of the game. Mbappé recalled specific matches where Messi’s off-the-ball movement created seemingly impossible chances, forcing defenders into tactical disarray and allowing Mbappé to exploit spaces he hadn’t previously recognized. He credited Messi with refining his decision-making in the final third, noting that observing the maestro’s composure during critical moments—such as high-stakes European fixtures—taught him invaluable lessons in maintaining focus under intense scrutiny. This mentorship, though unspoken and organic, became a cornerstone of Mbappé’s development, pushing him to elevate his creativity and vision beyond pure speed and finishing.
Mbappé also articulated a profound sense of gratitude toward Messi, explaining that he “wants to thank” the Inter Miami star not only for their on-field synergy but for Messi’s unwavering professionalism during challenging periods at PSG. He acknowledged how Messi navigated relentless media scrutiny, adaptation to a new league, and personal expectations with quiet resilience, setting a standard for handling pressure without compromising team unity. This attitude, Mbappé noted, was particularly impactful during the turbulent 2022-23 season when PSG faced internal tensions and external criticism, as Messi’s consistent leadership provided a blueprint for maturity that younger players could emulate. For Mbappé, this legacy of grace under fire remains a benchmark he strives to embody as PSG’s de facto captain.
Looking ahead, Mbappé expressed heartfelt wishes for Messi’s success in Major League Soccer, highlighting how their bond transcended club rivalries to form a mutual respect rooted in shared ambition and love for football. He joked about Messi’s unexpected “normalcy” during mundane team activities—like cafeteria banter or bus journeys—contrasting sharply with his otherworldly talent on the field. Mbappé concluded that Messi’s legacy at PSG isn’t defined by trophies alone but by the cultural shift he instilled: proving that greatness thrives not in isolation, but through humility and collective growth. As both icons now navigate different chapters—Mbappé chasing Champions League glory in Paris and Messi igniting MLS—this gratitude remains a testament to how fleeting football partnerships can leave indelible marks on a player’s journey.
