An immense star power in the form of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe seems to have created a power struggle at the French club. In the second game of the season, the three were seen in a hierarchical struggle which left fans questioning if everything was right at the Ligue 1 champions.
The issue started when Mbappe who is assigned penalty duties at the club missed one in the starting moments of the game. A few minutes later, Messi won another penalty and gave it to Neymar to take. This was when Mbappe brushed past Messi and started arguing with Neymar to take the second penalty. The Brazilian was visibly frustrated at Mbappe’s constant demand for the ball. But it was the Argentinian who looked furious with Mbappe’s lack of respect for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Pero qué hace Mbappé? La uña de Messi tiene más historia que él.
— Xavi ? (@LaEraXavi) August 14, 2022
Most of the issues stem from Mbappe’s multimillion-dollar deal that he was given at the start of the season. The deal which stopped him from joining Real Madrid has essentially made him a part owner of the club. He now has veto power on players and manager assigning; such are the clauses in the rule.
Naturally, the 23-year-old would want a greater say on the pitch as well. Many reports have come out that say that the PSG dressing room has been divided into two camps with Messi and Neymar in one and Mbappe in the other.
I’m already prepared for what’s to come- Lionel Messi
Messi had already hinted at things being difficult for the French team in his interview with TyC Sports.
“Thinking about me, individually and what happened this year, I think about being able to reverse the situation, about not having the feeling of having changed clubs and that it didn’t go well for me,” Messi had said earlier.
He had added, “I know that this year is going to be different, I’m already prepared for what’s to come, I know the club, I know the city, I’m a little more comfortable with the dressing room, with my teammates and I know it’s going to be different.”
With so much tension at the club, the current situation seems like the calm before the storm. It would be interesting to see whose star power trumps the other’s in what is going to be a three-way fight.
