Kylian Mbappe admits he misses playing with ‘special’ Lionel Messi at PSG as Inter Miami superstar boasts ‘luxury’ gift that is almost unique to him

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner severed ties with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, with the decision taken to go chasing the American dream with MLS side Inter Miami. Messi had spent two years in the French capital following his stunning switch from Barcelona, but he struggled to win over the most demanding of fan bases.

Messi’s many qualities were, however, embraced by those around him at Parc des Princes, with his creative attributes ensuring that a healthy haul of assists was delivered even as a previously prolific source of goals began to dry up.

Mbappe was often the beneficiary of Messi’s ability to pick defensive locks, with the 2018 World Cup winner telling Amazon Prime Sport of a man that pipped him to a global title at Qatar 2022: “Playing with Leo Messi is definitely something I miss a lot. You always miss not playing with Leo Messi anymore! For an attacker like me, who likes to attack spaces, with him you have the certainty that you can get the ball. It was a luxury that almost only he can give you. Beyond that, playing with Messi was special.”

Messi hit 32 goals for PSG through 75 appearances, helping them to two Ligue 1 titles, but Mbappe is now the main man in Paris as Brazilian superstar Neymar has also headed to pastures new. The South American is currently working his way back from knee ligament damage at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.