‘This time I won!’ – No Lionel Messi to deny Kylian Mbappe as Real Madrid superstar reacts to lifting Intercontinental Cup at scene of World Cup final nightmare

That venue staged the World Cup final between France and Argentina in 2022 – a contest that was graced by then Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Messi and Mbappe. The latter bagged a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but the former netted a brace of his own before collecting a global crown at the end of a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.

Mbappe has been back in familiar surroundings when representing Real Madrid in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup final. He found the back of the net again, as he opened the scoring in a meeting with Pachuca, and this time there was to be a happy ending as Los Blancos ran out 3-0 winners on the day.

Mbappe has exorcised his demons in Qatar, while adding to his impressive medal collection, and posted on social media after landing major silverware in the Middle East: “Intercontinental Cup is back to Madrid. Second title of the season. This time I won at Lusail Stadium…”

Real have already lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 2024-25, with their intention being to successfully defend La Liga and Champions League titles. World Cup winner Mbappe will have an important role to play in those quests, with his goal tally for the season being taken to 13 through 23 appearances.