Lionel Messi concluded his tenure at PSG in the summer of 2023 under disappointing circumstances. Despite his triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he faced significant criticism from the PSG supporters. On July 15, 2023, he made a free transfer to Miami, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract, where he has since established himself as the club's all-time leading goal-scorer.

In the 2022 World Cup final held in Qatar, Messi and the Argentine national team faced off against Kylian Mbappe’s France, the defending champions who had previously eliminated Argentina in the Round of 16 during their title run in Russia. The match was a thrilling contest, with Argentina taking an early 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks to a penalty converted by Messi and a goal from Angel di Maria following a well-executed team play.

As the game progressed, it appeared that Argentina was on track for a comfortable victory; however, Mbappe had other intentions. He equalized the score within two minutes, first by converting a penalty in the 80th minute and then by scoring a stunning volley in the 81st minute. The match concluded with a 2-2 draw after regulation time. In extra time, Argentina regained the lead at 3-2, with Messi scoring a close-range goal in the 108th minute. Just when it seemed that the CONMEBOL side would secure the win, France was awarded another penalty in the 118th minute, which Mbappe confidently converted to complete his hat-trick.

France narrowly escaped a penalty shootout when Kolo Muani faced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the dying moments of the match, but his effort was thwarted. In the subsequent shootout, Argentina's goalkeeper Martinez excelled, successfully saving attempts from Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman, leading to a 4-2 victory for Argentina.

In a recent interview on French television, Mbappe reflected on the World Cup final and his feelings upon encountering Messi at PSG training after the defeat. “Following the World Cup final, I felt a surge of anger when I saw Messi at PSG training. However, he reminded me that I had previously won the tournament, and now it was his moment. I was upset, but one must respect him because he is Messi. We managed to break the tension by sharing a laugh, having both endured fierce competition. The final created lasting memories for us.”

“I have learned a great deal from him. Messi excels in every aspect of the game. There is so much to gain from someone of his calibre. I would often approach him and inquire, ‘How do you accomplish this? how do you achieve that?’”

Mbappe also made a move away from PSG during the summer transfer window, joining Real Madrid, and concluding a lengthy transfer saga. However, his transition to Spain has not unfolded as anticipated, as he has struggled in the centre-forward role, a shift from his customary position on the left wing.

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