PSG head coach, Christophe Galtier, has downplayed any tension that may exist between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
The two players came through with incredible performances in the World Cup final, with Messi and Argentina becoming victorious by the narrowest of margins. Mbappe scored four goals, including the penalty goal he scored in the shootout, but Les Blues were unable to win consecutive games despite his efforts.
Emiliano Martinez, who was the hero for Argentina in the shootout, made fun of Mbappe mercilessly after the near miss that he had. After he responded to comments that Mbappe made questioning the strength of South American nations, the goalie for Aston Villa was seen celebrating with a doll that had the face of the Frenchman.
Messi was seen throughout the victory parade next to Martinez, who was seen holding the mocking doll. Despite this, Messi did not appear to dampen the celebrations that were going on. Because of this, many people began to wonder whether or not he and Mbappe would have a contentious relationship once they got back to Paris.
On the other hand, Galtier is emphatic that Martinez’s conduct cannot be conflated with those of Messi. He said: “My attention would be drawn to the connection that exists between them. It was not Leo Messi’s intention to get anyone else worked up. My observations and experiences following the championship match have led me to the conclusion that there is no need to confound these factors because the behavior of the goalkeeper is entirely up to him.”
He added: “The way in which the players interact with one another is the most important thing to me. Despite the fact that they lost, Kylian Mbappe maintained a very positive attitude. Naturally, he was rather disheartened, yet he handled his emotions in a sophisticated manner despite this fact. He sent his congratulations to Leo Messi, which is highly beneficial for both the club and the team as a whole.”
In order for Messi and Mbappe, as well as PSG, to fulfill their objectives for the current campaign, they will need to collaborate productively. They are currently in first place in Ligue 1, as was to be expected, but in the new year they will be competing against Bayern Munich in the knockout round of the Champions League. Mbappe and PSG are still working toward achieving their very first victory in European competition.
Martinez took a minute after the conclusion of the World Cup match to console Mbappe, who was sitting in the center of the field and contemplating his performance. However, his behavior and antics since then have come under considerable scrutiny, and Patrick Vieira has said that they have detracted from the excitement of the celebrations.
“Some of the photographs that I saw from the Argentina goalie took away a little bit from what Argentina achieved at the World Cup,” remarked the manager of Crystal Palace, who is also a France icon. I don’t believe that they required that in any significant way. There are instances when you have no control over the feelings or choices that other people make, but it was a foolish choice on Martinez’s part to do that.