Messi's parting words to Mbappe as he takes swipe at PSG following move to Miami

Lionel Messi reportedly told Kylian Mbappe he deserves 'a real winning project' in an apparent dig at PSG before joining Inter Miami, as intense speculation surrounds the French superstar's future.

The explosive revelation comes from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, who claim the Argentine confided to Mbappe his wish for him to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid.

But ultimately implored the 24-year-old to play for a club who will,presumably,  compete for the Champions League.

'I prefer that you go to Barça,' Messi said. 'But if you want to go to Madrid, do it, you deserve a real winning project.'

With five Ligue 1 titles and three French Cups, winning has not been the issue for Mbappe in Paris.

Instead, it's the club's predictable demise in the latter stages of the Champions League which have frustrated a generation of PSG players headlined by the Frenchman.

The five-time Ligue 1 top scorer shook the Parisian side to its core when he announced his intention to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

The news reignited speculation of a long-awaited switch to Real Madrid, 12 months after his proposed transfer was scuppered in the 11th hour by an eye-watering counter by the French champions.

Mbappe's decision has likely angered several within the club who believed they had done enough to persuade him to continue at the Parc de Princes. And the disclosure of Messi's comments will do little to temper the rage.

The veteran superstar agreed a landmark deal to join MLS side Inter Miami, bringing an end to a strange two-year stay in the French capital.

Messi added a couple of French titles to his sizable trophy cabinet, but will best remember the years spent in Paris for his iconic World Cup win in Qatar last December.