Lionel Messi ‘wants to parade Argentina’s World Cup trophy around the PSG stadium – but club chiefs are reluctant about the reaction it would provoke’ after France star Kylian Mbappe was left devastated by defeat in the final
- Lionel Messi reportedly wants to show off the World Cup trophy at PSG’s ground
- The superstar forward led Argentina to global glory against France on Sunday
- And Messi wants to parade the famous trophy at the Parc des Princes stadium
- Club chiefs are said to be reluctant given the potential reaction it could provoke
- Frenchman and PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe was left devastated by the defeat
Lionel Messi is keen to show off the World Cup trophy around the Paris Saint-Germain stadium – but the club are worried about the backlash the gesture would receive, according to reports.
The superstar forward captained Argentina to global glory on Sunday, scoring twice and again in the penalty shoot-out as the South American side beat France 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
And as reported by Goal, 35-year-old Messi wants to parade the famous gold trophy at the Parc des Princes, but club chiefs are reluctant given the reaction it could provoke.
Lionel Messi (centre) is said to be keen to parade the World Cup trophy around the PSG ground
But PSG’s club chiefs are reportedly reluctant given the potential backlash to the gesture
Had France beaten any other opponents than France in Qatar tournament showpiece, it is unlikely PSG would have had an issue with Messi enjoying the adulation of the Parisian faithful.
But given the testy atmosphere of the final and the manner of the loss – a heartbreaking defeat on penalties – the emotions might still be raw for PSG’s only French player at the tournament – Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe – potentially the biggest name at the French giants and a rival to Messi as the greatest footballer of his generation – was left devastated after the final, despite winning the competition’s Golden Boot after a magnificent hat-trick.
PSG and France star Kylian Mbappe (right) was left devastated by the defeat on Sunday
It could be an awkward reunion in the dressing room, especially after Messi’s international team-mate Emiliano Martinez mocked the 24-year-old by asking for a ‘moment of silence’ for him in the dressing room and then held up a baby doll with his opponent’s face on it while next to Messi in their victory parade in Buenos Aires.
So PSG are wary of inflaming any tension between their star men, as well as upsetting the predominantly French crowd, with the country left bitter after the final.
Christophe Galtier’s side return to post-World Cup action on December 28 when they host Strasbourg. They are five points clear of Lens at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
