The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France remains etched in the memories of football fans around the globe. With Argentina triumphing on penalties after a dramatic game, this match will be talked about for years, not only for the glorious celebration of victory but also for the rivalry showcased between two superstars: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Although Messi finally lifted the coveted trophy after numerous attempts, it was Mbappé’s remarkable performance, including scoring a hat-trick, which left fans and pundits alike buzzing.
The high-profile encounter wasn’t just about the title; it was about legacy. Mbappé, at only 23, had already tasted World Cup glory when France emerged victorious in 2018. His desire to retain the title was palpable, and his hat-trick against Argentina demonstrated his extraordinary talent and determination. Mbappé continues to be seen as Messi’s successor and has shaped himself as one of the game’s brightest stars.
After the match, when both players returned to Paris Saint-Germain’s training ground, the tension gave way to respect. During a candid interview with Clique TV, Mbappé recounted the first thing Messi said to him following the grief of falling short. “After the World Cup final, when I saw Messi at PSG training, I was still so mad (laughs). But he told me I had already won it before, and now it was his turn,” said Mbappé. It was clear he was still grappling with his emotions but couldn’t help but respect Messi for his calming words. They broke the ice by laughing together, reflecting on the immense battle they had just fought, which ironically created more camaraderie between the two.
This moment was the start of their relationship shifting from friendly rivals to mutual admirers. While they played at PSG for two seasons, their connection was more evident during matches than off the field. Messi frequently set up Mbappé, resulting in exciting plays and goals, leading PSG to victories and titles. The duo claimed three trophies during their stint: two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophée des Champions.
Messi’s recognition of Mbappé’s potential also shone through. After the final, the Argentine legend was quoted saying, “Kylian is different; he’s strong on the ball, quick, and can score.” Messi’s belief adds to the mounting expectations on Mbappé to continue breaking records both domestically and internationally.
Fast forward to now, the former PSG teammates are thriving at new clubs. Messi has embarked on his American chapter with Inter Miami, whereas Mbappé joined Real Madrid, signaling the end of their time at the French club. Despite taking different paths, the rivalry (and respect) continues.
Looking back at their World Cup meeting, there’s no denying the boundaries they broke as the world watched them clash. Football fans remain divided over who showcased superior talent on the day. While Messi celebrated the fulfillment of dreams, Mbappé left the pitch with the promise of his bright future. His agility, speed, and on-field intellect have already made him one of the greatest players the sport has seen at his young age.
Mbappé currently ranks third on the list of all-time scorers for France, with dreams of surpassing the legendary Thierry Henry. Should he continue on this path, he has the potential to become France’s all-time top scorer. Therefore, his rivalry with Messi may only serve as the prologue to what could be one of the greatest stories of football history. The two are set to meet again at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, reigniting the talk of their legendary rivalry once more.
We’ve launched what we proudly call the “Intelligent Journalism” era: a bold approach to journalism that prioritizes verifiable facts, eliminates unnecessary fluff, restores the rigor of classic journalistic principles, and delivers news in a clear, compelling format—all powered by our innovative AI algorithms.
Support Intelligent Journalism with a tip to help us understand the stories you love most, so we can bring you more of what matters!
We always aim for accuracy, but we recognize that errors can occasionally slip through. We value your feedback and are committed to making corrections whenever needed. If you spot a factual mistake in our stories, please let us know, and we’ll address it promptly.
Please use this feedback form solely for reporting factual errors, rather than for sharing personal opinions. We appreciate your help in keeping our content accurate and reliable.
THE PINNACLE GAZETTE, a platform established by Tree of Evolution LLC, is your premier source for the latest news across a diverse array of topics. Our website offers comprehensive coverage on science, technology, current events, art, and sports, ensuring that you stay informed and gain fresh perspectives.
