Former PSG midfielder Javier Pastore revealed the astonishing remarks made by Kylian Mbappe towards his senior colleague Lionel Messi. Mbappe and Messi shared a close bond during their time together at PSG. However, the emotions between the two turned contrasting during the 2022 World Cup final. Despite Mbappe’s hat-trick performance, France suffered a painful defeat on penalties, while Messi played a heroic role in Argentina’s triumph.
Several months after the Qatar final, Javier Pastore had an encounter with Mbappe. The former PSG and Argentine national team midfielder recounted to La Nacion:
“I met Mbappe a few months after the World Cup final. It was during PSG’s training session. I entered the locker room to greet the PSG players, including Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar. I congratulated Mbappe on his impressive performance at the World Cup, but he turned to Messi and said, ‘No, this damn Messi stole our World Cup title.'”
Of course, this was merely a light-hearted joke among close teammates. Pastore expressed great respect for Mbappe:
“I have had many conversations with Kylian. He is a player very focused on his career. He lost the final match and the next day immediately planned his next steps. He possesses remarkable courage and mentality.”
“I know Mbappe well. We have a very good relationship. He has the mentality of a winner and always steps onto the field with 100% determination. I am surprised by Mbappe’s seriousness towards his profession at such a young age. I have only seen that in Ronaldo and Messi.”
“The new generation of players nowadays is very difficult to find as focused and serious as Mbappe. I don’t see it in other young players, perhaps only in Haaland.”
Javier Pastore spent 7 seasons wearing the PSG jersey (2011-2018), during which his final season saw him alongside Mbappe. The 34-year-old midfielder was a key figure in PSG’s playing style from 2011 to 2013. He played a total of 269 matches for the French club, scoring 45 goals.
Pastore also had a longstanding partnership with Messi in the Argentine national team. The midfielder, currently under contract with Qatar SC, has represented Argentina 29 times, scoring 2 goals.