In a heartfelt and candid post-match interview following the intense UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash between Croatia and France, Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar and captain, opened up about his admiration and respect for Lionel Messi.

The remarks from Mbappé, who once shared the pitch with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), have captured the attention of football fans worldwide, revealing a side of the young French forward that blends humility with deep appreciation for one of the greatest players in football history.

The match itself was a fierce battle, showcasing the high stakes and intensity typical of knockout football.

However, it was Mbappé’s post-game reflections that truly resonated beyond the scoreline.

Speaking to reporters, the Real Madrid forward didn’t hesitate to praise Messi, highlighting the profound influence the Argentine legend had on his career and on football as a whole.

“Leo is an inspiration,” Mbappé began, referring to Messi’s current stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami and his physical distance from European football.

“Even being so far away now, playing with him taught me a lot—not just about technique but about handling pressure and being decisive in big moments.”

This statement carries immense weight when considering Mbappé’s own rise to stardom.

Since bursting onto the scene as a teenage prodigy at AS Monaco, Mbappé has been hailed as one of the brightest talents in world football.

His speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats.

Yet, despite his meteoric rise, Mbappé has consistently shown a grounded personality, often acknowledging the players who paved the way before him.

Playing alongside Messi at PSG during the 2021-2023 seasons was a defining period for Mbappé.

The experience of sharing a dressing room and attacking front with a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner provided invaluable lessons.

Mbappé’s recognition of Messi’s “magical calmness” is a testament to the Argentine’s unique ability to influence games without overt displays of aggression or emotion—an art mastered over decades at the highest level.

“Watching him still perform incredible things in the MLS makes you wonder, ‘How does he do it?’” Mbappé remarked.

“He’s an example for all of us who want to have long and successful careers.”

The longevity Messi has demonstrated is indeed remarkable.

After a glittering career at FC Barcelona, where he redefined what it meant to be a footballer, Messi took his talents to PSG and later to the United States.

Despite the changes in leagues and environments, his excellence remains undiminished.

This ability to adapt and maintain top form inspires players like Mbappé, who are acutely aware of the physical and mental demands of professional football.

The conversation naturally touched on the generational shift in football, where Mbappé is often seen as one of the heirs to the legacies left by icons like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The French forward reflected on their memorable encounter in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final—a match that remains etched in football history.

“That match was special,” Mbappé recalled.

“I scored three goals, but he took home the trophy.

That shows how clutch he is.

Like they say, ‘He never gives up.

’” Mbappé’s smile revealed a genuine respect and a healthy competitive spirit that defined their rivalry on the world’s biggest stage.

The 2022 World Cup final was a showcase of football at its finest.

Argentina’s victory, led by Messi’s sublime performance, was a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.

For Mbappé, scoring a hat-trick in such a high-pressure environment was a personal triumph, but the outcome underscored Messi’s ability to elevate his team when it mattered most.

This mutual recognition of each other’s talents and contributions is a rare and beautiful aspect of elite sport.

The friendly rivalry between Mbappé and Messi was one of the highlights of the 2022 World Cup and continues to be a point of fascination for football enthusiasts.

When asked what message he would send to Messi following the Nations League match against Croatia, Mbappé was straightforward and sincere.

“I’d say, ‘Thank you for everything, Leo.

Keep inspiring us.

You don’t need to prove anything more, but I know you’ll keep going because you are who you are.’”

This statement reflects the deep bond formed during their time as teammates in Paris, a relationship marked by mutual respect and shared experiences.

Mbappé also spoke about how Messi influenced his approach to high-pressure knockout games like the Nations League quarterfinal.

“He showed me that in games like these, you need to be 100% focused but also enjoy the moment.

It’s a difficult balance, but Leo made it look easy,” Mbappé explained.

This philosophy is something Mbappé strives to embody as he leads the French national team, blending concentration with joy on the pitch.

Mbappé’s comments also highlight an important aspect of sports psychology: the ability to manage pressure while maintaining enjoyment.

Many athletes struggle with this balance, especially in critical matches.

Messi’s example serves as a blueprint for younger players, demonstrating that mental resilience and passion are not mutually exclusive.

Looking ahead, Mbappé expressed optimism about the future of football, acknowledging that while Messi now plays in a different league, his impact on European football remains profound.

“Messi may be in another league now, but what he left in Europe still resonates.

Myself and others from my generation will try to carry that torch forward,” Mbappé concluded.

His words serve as a reminder that football greatness transcends borders and generations.

The legacy Messi leaves behind is not just measured in trophies and records but in the inspiration he provides to emerging stars like Mbappé.

The relationship between Mbappé and Messi is emblematic of football’s evolving narrative.

While media and fans often emphasize rivalry and competition, the genuine respect and camaraderie between these two stars offer a refreshing perspective.

It shows that the sport’s greatest figures can inspire one another, contributing to the game’s richness and continuity.

For fans and followers of the sport, this interview is a compelling chapter in the ongoing story of two of football’s brightest stars—one a seasoned legend, the other a rising superstar.

Their intertwined journeys continue to captivate and inspire millions around the globe.

As Mbappé continues to lead France and Real Madrid toward future successes, his reflections on Messi provide valuable insight into the mindset of a player who balances ambition with respect, competition with camaraderie.

His tribute to Messi is a testament to the enduring power of football to unite, inspire, and elevate.

What do you think about Mbappé’s words on Messi? Do you believe this mutual respect will shape the future of football? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more exclusive football news.