From fierce rivals to teammates to mutual respect—do Mbappé and Messi get along is a question that many fans have asked since Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The short answer: yes, but it hasn’t always been smooth, and their relationship has evolved through conflict, admiration, and professionalism.
In this article, FreeKickSEO will walk you through the journey between Mbappé and Messi: the tension, the breakthrough moments, and where they stand today. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of not just whether they get along, but how they get along—and what it means in the bigger picture of modern football.
Early days together at PSG: expectations, clash of stars
When Messi signed for PSG in the summer of 2021, the world thought, “We’re about to witness one of football’s all-time frontlines.” Messi, Neymar, Mbappé—the so-called “MNM” trio—had immense potential, but also a high risk of ego clashes.
- Neymar later said that Mbappé seemed jealous of Messi’s arrival, especially because Messi brought so much attention and expectation.
- There were “changes in behavior,” as Neymar described. Things shifted; the dynamics off the field weren’t always as harmonious as fans might hope. s might hope.
So in the early phases, there was tension—some jealousy, some rivalry—but also shared moments, mutual admiration, and the pressure of doing great things together.
After the 2022 World Cup final: conflict and reconciliation
One of the clearest moments in their relationship came. Mbappé scored a hat-trick; Messi scored two. Emotions were sky-high.
- Mbappé has said that when he returned to PSG training after the final, he was still angry, even furious.
- But Messi’s response defused things. According to Mbappé, Messi told him something along the lines of: “You have already won it before, now it’s my turn.” That warmed the atmosphere.
- They “broke the ice by laughing together,” Mbappé said, adding that competing in that final actually brought them closer.
These moments show that while there was conflict, there was also respect—and that conflict didn’t stay permanent.
What Neymar and others reveal: jealousy, egos, respect
Teammates and observers have added layers to what Mbappé and Messi’s relationship has looked like behind the scenes.
- Neymar in particular commented that when Messi arrived, Mbappé found it difficult to “share” attention. Neymar called it a small jealousy, a shift in attitude.
- However, Neymar also affirmed that despite friction, Mbappé played a fundamental role. Before Messi’s arrival and even after, there were good years, times when they trained together, had meals, shared moments.
- On Mbappé’s side, he has expressed admiration for Messi’s excellence—how much he learned by watching him, by asking things like “how do you do this, how do you do that.”
So, there was struggle—fighting over limelight, jealousy—but also genuine respect.
Current relationship: are they truly “cool now”?
Since Messi has left PSG (he moved to Inter Miami), and Mbappé moved to Real Madrid, their day-to-day interactions are naturally less frequent. But the public statements suggest the tension has largely eased, and respect remains strong.
- Mbappé has said he “learned a lot from him” (Messi), acknowledging Messi’s impact on him as a player.
- The “furious” moment post-World Cup seems to be an isolated high-intensity episode, not an ongoing feud.
- Commentators and teammates suggest that while personalities are big, both players understand the need for professionalism. They clearly recognize each other’s greatness.
So yes—they do get along now, in a sense. They respect each other. They may not be best friends publicly, but the relationship has matured into something more stable.
Possible areas of tension vs foundation of respect
To understand how they get along, it helps to look at what might still cause friction—and what anchors their mutual respect.
Areas of tension:
- Ego and spotlight: Two superstars in the same team invite competition—not just on pitch but off it. Media, fans, contracts all ramp up expectations.
- Expectations and failure: PSG’s failure to win a Champions League while both were there is often cited. That can heighten frustrations.
- Public perception: Whenever Neymar or others talk of jealousy, it fuels speculation. Mbappé has had to respond to those stories.
Foundations of respect:
- Mbappé’s admiration of Messi’s skill and legacy is genuine. He has spoken about asking Messi for advice and learning.
- Messi’s handling of the “furious” aftermath of the World Cup with grace—telling Mbappé that his time had come—helped mend tension.
- Shared battles—intense matches, tough losses—often build bonds among athletes. The World Cup final is a perfect example.
Bottom line: yes—with caveats
So, returning to the main question: do Mbappé and Messi get along? The answer is: yes, in the present, albeit with a history of rivalry, jealousy, and emotional tension. Their relationship has been tested but has matured. They have mutual respect, and big moments have forced reconciliation.
Conclusion
Do Mbappé and Messi get along? Absolutely—they do now more than ever—but their relationship has distance, nuance, and a back story filled with competitiveness, emotional spikes, and reconciliation.
For fans, the benefit of knowing this is multifold:
- It enriches the understanding of star pairings in football—the tensions that can arise, and how they resolve.
- It shows that great players aren’t just icons but humans who deal with jealousy, disappointment, pride.
- It reminds us that respect and shared experience often outlast momentary anger.
If you’re curious about more player dynamics—how Messi interacts with teammates now, or how Mbappé’s relationships with other stars are evolving—FreeKickSEO has profiles and analysis coming up. Don’t miss them. Also, share this article if you found it insightful, and let us know whose relationship you want us to explore next.
