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Lionel Messi looks on coolly as Kylian Mbappe fires the French champions ahead of Benfica… as Christophe Galtier’s squad continues to miss the injured Argentine in their 1-1 draw in the Champions League
- Kylian Mbappé scored from the spot on Tuesday when PSG drew 1-1 with Benfica
- Reports surfaced on Tuesday about the Frenchman’s desire to leave the Ligue 1 club
- Team-mate Lionel Messi watched blankly as the attacker scored the opening goal
- The Argentine was ruled out of the game after suffering a calf injury last week
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Lionel Messi showed little to no emotion in the stands when Kylian Mbappe converted his penalty on Tuesday night in Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw against Benfica.
Mbappe, who now wants to leave PSG according to shocking reports from Spain, took the lead in the first half before the Portuguese team fought back for some of the loot after halftime with a penalty of their own.
Spanish newspaper Marca claimed on Tuesday that Mbappe’s relationship with PSG is ‘completely broken’ and that the 23-year-old is now seeking the exit despite signing a lucrative contract with the French giants worth £650,000 a week this summer.
Lionel Messi had a blank expression as Kylian Mbappe scored the opener against Benfica
Reports surfaced on Tuesday about the French superstar’s desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain
Messi, whose rich form was halted by an injury last week, had to take a spot in the stands at the Parc de Princes next to his wife Antonella on Tuesday.
Despite smiling and contented chatter in the early stages, the Argentine’s expression seemed to change dramatically as Mbappe fired in PSG’s 39th-minute penalty.
With a blank stare, Messi stared at the field with piercing eyes as Antonella glanced at her watch uninterested.
Summer fans Real Madrid led the race for Mbappe in January alongside Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, which struggled for form at the start of the season.
Messi smiled and chatted amicably with wife Antonella in front of Mbappé’s kick
But his expression soon changed – and Antonella’s too when she looked sternly at her watch
The French superstar is believed to be unhappy with his current role at the club on the pitch, and disagree with Christophe Galtier’s decision to play him as the sole centre-forward.
Rio Ferdinand criticized PSG for giving the attacker too much ‘player power’ this summer, admitting it’s ‘hard to believe’ what Mbappe has a problem with.
The Manchester United legend also wondered why the World Cup winner wouldn’t want to play alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“I think PSG will be disappointed in that, as a team-mate you will be because you know the negativity it brings,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
Rio Ferdinand criticized PSG for giving French star too much ‘player power’ this summer
“He’s not happy with it, what we’re hearing is that he doesn’t want to play in the position he’s played in.
Wayne Rooney hated playing left side in some games but you would never know because he would sacrifice himself for his teammates.
“If it takes ages I understand, but by the way, Kylian is waking up and playing with Neymar and Messi. You would certainly want that. It’s hard to believe he’s complaining about it.’