"Mbappe knew Messi Was Coming": Fans Claim Mbappe Ran Away To USA To Avoid Leo Messi

A cross section of social media users have launched a scathing attack on Kylian Mbappe following his decision to take a break to the United States.

 Mbappe returned to club action 72 hours after suffering heartbreak in the World Cup final to PSG teammate Lionel Messi and his Argentine team. 

He even scored a last-minute goal to secure a hard-fought win for the Parisians over Strasbourg but was powerless as they stumbled to a shock loss to Lens on New Year's Day. 

According to Mirror, on the back of the defeat, the 24-year-old Frenchman embarked on a break to the USA together with best friend Achraf Hakimi which was granted by coach Christophe Galtier. 

His decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean, coincided with the highly anticipated return of Leo Messi from his extended vacation after Argentina's World Cup success, besoccer notes. 

The 'fishy' coincidence did not sit well with some social media users, particularly as Messi was treated to a guard of honour. 

Below are some of the comments: 

A fan @BarcaPrincipal questioned the whereabouts of Mbappe:

 "Where is Mbappe, why was he not among those standing to welcome and celebrate the GOAT of football?" 

Another @MichaelAdvans claimedMbappe's decision to head to the United States was infantile:

 "Mbappe running away from congratulating Messi is the most childish thing I have seen in a while."

 @unrulyking00 added: 

"Mbappe is not in PSG camp because he’s feeling shy to congratulate Leo Messi small boys are young." 

@goatstapenko argued PSG intentionally sent Mbappe away to avoid giving Messi a guard of honour: 

"They sent Mbappe off to New York on a holiday because they had to do this." 

@Founda_ tweeted: 

"Mbappe knew Messi was coming back so he flew from Paris to New York. This kid is forcing a rivalry against the GOAT." 

Lionel Messi was given a well-deserved guard of honour by his Paris Saint-Germain teammates and staff. 

Source: SportsBrief