PSG's Mbappe believes Messi 'didn't get the respect he deserved in France'

Kylian Mbappe has hit out at PSG fans for the way they treated Lionel Messi while the Argentine superstar was in Paris.

Messi, 35, joined PSG in 2021 from Barcelona, helping them to two Ligue 1 titles. But he was always dogged by exit rumours, either a return to the Catalan giants, or a money-spinning move elsewhere.

Now at the end of his two-year deal, which expires on July 1, the playmaker has announced his next challenge will be in MLS with Inter Miami - and tickets to see his club debut in the United States are already fetching $20,000 (£15,784).

Supporters jeered Messi during his dip in form after the World Cup, and the club briefly suspended the 35-year-old after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

Mbappe was not impressed with the way that PSG - and French soccer in general - treated Messi during his two years in the French capital.

The Frenchman told Gazzetta dello Sport: 'We’re talking about potentially the best player in the history of soccer. It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves.

'Personally I haven’t really understood why so many people were relieved that he was leaving. We’re talking about Messi: He should be respected, but instead, he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a pity, but that’s how it went. The club will have to do what they can to replace him.'

There can be little doubt that Messi's space in the team will be a difficult one to fill, although the French club's owners have the money to be able to supply a top-quality replacement.

PSG may also need to seek an alternative for Mbappe soon, after the Frenchman rejected the opportunity to extend his contract. Mail Sport previously reported that PSG feel 'betrayed' by Mbappe's plans to exit next summer.

It has instigated rumours he will be on his way to Real Madrid, who have been long-time admirers of the 24-year-old.

On the matter, Mbappe said: 'I didn’t ask to be sold, nor to go to Real Madrid. I’ve just confirmed that I don’t want to activate the extra year foreseen in the contract.

'With PSG we never talked about a renewal, but I am happy to stay here next season.'

PSG sealed another Ligue 1 title in the 2022-23 season, but were eliminated from the Champions League in the last-16 stage by Bayern Munich.