PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe insists ex-teammate Lionel Messi wasn't given 'the respect he deserved' during ill-fated spell in France

After bidding a teary-eyed farewell to Barcelona, the record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner landed in the French capital to guide the Parisians to the top of European football - the UEFA Champions League. However, after two failed attempts, a section of the fan base spewed venom on the Argentine superstar by gathering outside the club’s headquarters in order to air their grievances. Things took a turn for the worst when they learnt that Messi would not be extending his contract and would instead leave to chase the American dream with MLS sideInter Miami.

Mbappe would regularly tee up with Messi and had often benefited from the forward's ability to pick out the perfect pass in the final third. Reminiscing about his time with the 2022 World Cup winner, Mbappe told Amazon Prime Sport: "Messi deserves all the respect and actually in France, he didn't receive the respect he deserved."

Mbappe and Messi guided Paris Saint-Germain to two league titles and one Coupe de France during the two years they shared the pitch at Parc des Princes. However, the round of 16 exits in the Champions League were deemed as a major failure which led the fans to boo Messi in the final few months in Paris.

Mbappe got on the scoresheet, along with Lee Kang-in, to fire PSG to the French Champions Trophy against Toulouse on Wednesday. He is now expected to return to action against Revel in the French Cup on Sunday.