The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, one of the greatest events of the sporting history saw two of the biggest players in the world right now, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lock horns against each other. Messi-led Argentina and Mbappe’s defending champions France contested a final which will be remembered for the ages, which after a 3-3 stalemate in the 120 minutes was decided on the penalty shootouts.
However, it seemed not all was ‘sporting’ between PSG teammates Messi and Mbappe, during an incident where the flaring emotions of the two players had them going at each other. While Messi netted two in his side’s ultimate triumph, Mbappe came out with a hat-trick of his own, and appeared to even aim a dig at the Argentine during the celebrations of one of his three strikes.
Mbappe copies Lionel Messi celebration after twice spoiling the party for Argentina
Kylian Mbappe and his France were close to spoiling Lionel Messi and Argentina’s party, after the South Americans had raced to a 2-0 lead in the final within the first 36 minutes. The Les Bleus even delayed the Argentines’ celebration, after Mbappe finally arrived at the party in the final ten minutes of the regular time.
The PSG No.7 scored two goals in two minutes to silence the Argentine fans at the Lusail Stadium as well as across the globe who were already celebrating Argentina’s World Cup triumph. Mbappe’s twin goals meant the game had to be dragged all the way to the extra-time, as his club mate Lionel Messi evidently couldn’t even process what had happened.
But it seemed Messi had finally settled the game once and for all, after netting a 108th minute goal in the extra time, scrambling a powerful shot from Lautaro Martinez which Hugo Lloris could only push into the path of the Argentine captain. After the ecstatic celebrations on the sidelines, while walking back into his area, Messi seemed to mock Mbappe by aiming a celebration at him.
And the 23-year-old didn’t keep the favour as he returned it once again on the night, scoring a penalty won by him in the 118th minute to make things all square. This time, it was Mbappe copied Messi’s celebration and aimed it at the seven-time Ballon d’Or to give the stick back. The Golden Boot winner of the tournament can be seen in the video mocking Lionel Messi after his unprecedented equalizer late in the second half of the extra time.
https://twitter.com/TrollFootball/status/1604771700528123904?s=20&t=DXz4k6lHtRnsqHPKyWTDXA
But as evident, it was Messi who had the last laugh as Argentina prevailed in the penalty shootouts, with Mbappe’s teammates Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni letting him down. While Coman hit his spot kick right towards Argentina shot-stopper Emi Martinez, Tchouameni went one step ahead and fired his chance off wide. On the other hand, Messi, along with his teammates scored all of their penalties to finally taste the glory and raise the coveted World Cup trophy in Qatar.
But there will certainly be some bad blood between PSG mates Messi and Mbappe after their antics during the game. Nonetheless, the 35-year-old was seen consoling his young club mate after the final whistle, as they will now link-up together back in France at PSG. The duo’s next big target will be PSG’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich which comes up in February next year.