Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe went head-to-head in an epic World Cup final. Now they set that aside as they join forces and try to power Paris Saint-Germain to European supremacy.
The World Cup may have ended on Sunday, a tournament capped off with a final for the ages won by Argentina over France in a shootout.
But there’s no rest for the weary since many of Europe’s top teams get back into action in the coming days. The biggest prize many of these clubs will be chasing in 2023 will be the Champions League.
Considered the biggest trophy in world club soccer, the Champions League will crown the best team in Europe. The tournament resumes with the knockout stage on Feb. 14. That date will once again put the global spotlight on Messi and Mbappe, only this time they will be on the same side.
Among the contenders are French side Paris Saint-Germain, the team that both Messi and Mbappe play for. PSG, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments since 2011, has never won the trophy.
Mbappe and Messi could take PSG where they’ve never been before
PSG will play Bayern Munich in the round of 16, a game that will feature Messi and Mbappe combining their powers as the team embarks on a quest to capture the UCL.
PSG has tried to win this trophy before, but there is a renewed feeling that what took place at this World Cup bodes well for them. Mbappe, who has never won a World Cup, won the Golden Boot as Qatar 2022’s top scorer, and Messi took the Golden Ball prize as tournament MVP.
PSG have a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Dec. 28, though it remains to be seen of Messi will join the team. Mbappe was all smiles on Wednesday when he returned to the club’s training facility.
This could be the last chance PSG have at winning the UCL with Messi and Mbappe in the lineup. With Messi’s two-year contract due to expire at the end of this season, there’s no way to know yet whether the Argentine will extend his deal or come to MLS. The move to Inter Miami, however, may be on hold.
Mbappe, meanwhile, was rumored to be going to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, but was convinced earlier this year to extend his deal with PSG through the end of the 2025 season.
All eyes were on Messi and Mbappe at this World Cup. These two players will continue to grab all the attention in the coming months as PSG looks to become European champions come June 10.
