Mbappé Criticizes Treatment of Messi and Contemplates Future
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed his disappointment with the treatment of Lionel Messi by his former club and French soccer in general. Mbappé’s comments come in the wake of Messi’s departure from PSG and his move to Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami.
A Lack of Respect
Mbappé, in an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, spoke about the lack of respect shown to Messi during his time at PSG. Despite Messi’s illustrious career and status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, the Argentine superstar faced jeers from fans and even a club suspension after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
“We’re talking about potentially the best player in the history of soccer. It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves,” Mbappé stated. “It’s a pity that he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. The club will have to do what they can to replace him.”
Potential Exit from PSG
Mbappé’s own future at PSG is uncertain, as he has informed the club that he will not be exercising the option for a 12-month contract extension. His current contract expires at the end of next season, and there has been considerable speculation about a possible move to Real Madrid.
However, Mbappé denied any intention of joining Real Madrid. He clarified, “I didn’t ask to be sold, nor to go to Real Madrid. I’ve just confirmed that I don’t want to activate the extra year foreseen in the contract. With PSG, we never talked about a renewal, but I am happy to stay here next season.”
Champions League Failures
Mbappé’s decision may have been influenced by PSG’s repeated failures in the UEFA Champions League. The club exited the competition in the round of 16 for two consecutive seasons, losing to Bayern Munich this year and Real Madrid in the previous season.
“For a competitor like me, the aim is to win all the titles,” Mbappé said. “We knew there were shortcomings that sooner or later you end up paying for. You need to learn from your mistakes every season, to not repeat them every time.”
Racism in Soccer
The issue of racism in soccer has also been a concern for Mbappé. He expressed support for Vinícius Júnior, a Black player who has suffered racist abuse, and emphasized the need for action to combat racism in the sport.
“As players, we must all leave the field and understand we have the power to change things,” Mbappé said. “Rules must be changed. In 2023, we cannot allow a minority to ruin the pleasure of soccer.”
Editorial and Advice
The comments made by Mbappé shed light on the treatment of top players and the urgent need to address racism in soccer. The departure of Messi from PSG should have been a moment for appreciation and celebration, but instead, it revealed the dark side of the sport. The lack of respect and the racist abuse faced by both Messi and Vinícius Júnior highlight the deep-rooted problems that exist within soccer.
It is imperative for clubs and soccer authorities to take immediate action in addressing these issues. The behavior of a minority should not be tolerated, and stronger measures need to be implemented to eradicate racism from the game. Players should be able to compete in a safe and inclusive environment, free from discrimination and abuse.
Mbappé’s decision to remain at PSG for another season seems rooted in both personal and professional factors. While he acknowledges the need for improvement and the desire to win titles, it remains to be seen how PSG will address the challenges they face in the Champions League and the potential departure of their star player.
For Mbappé, his role as the captain of the French national team places him in a position of influence. It is encouraging to see him actively advocating for change and expressing his commitment to fighting against racism in the sport. However, words alone are not enough. Concrete action and collaboration among players, clubs, and governing bodies are necessary to create lasting change.
The future of both Mbappé and PSG is uncertain, but what is certain is the need for reform and a collective effort to ensure that soccer becomes a truly inclusive and respectful sport.
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Ryan Novozinsky may be reached at rnovozinsky@njadvancemedia.com. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Keywords: Soccer-mexicovshaiti, concacafclash, livestream, victory
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