Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier has addressed reports of a rift having formed between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe following the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
The tournament decider saw the two PSG superstars go up against each other in an eagerly contested tie that saw both players get on the scoresheet in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Messi netting twice and Mbappe scoring three times on night.
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Argentina eventually won the match 4-2 on penalties as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner claimed his first World Cup title, denying his PSG teammate a second successive world title after Les Bleus' success in Russia in 2018.
Mbappe was left visibly devastated by the defeat, but things would take a turn for the worst as Albiceleste goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez took aim at the 24-year-old Frenchman during Argentina's dressing room celebrations, where he was seen chanting and asking for "a minute of silence" for the France No. 10.
In a second incident, the Aston Villa shot-stopper was seen holding a doll with Mbappe's face on it while stood next to Messi during Argentina's trophy parade.
Many were left incensed by the repeated mockery, with the president of the French Football Federation Noel le Graet filing a complaint against Martinez with the Argentine Football Association as a result.
PSG manager Galtier has since addressed speculation that the South American goalkeeper's behaviour has affected the relationship between Messi and Mbappe at the Parc des Princes.
"I would focus on the relationship between them. It wasn't Leo Messi winding anybody else up," the 56-year-old tactician said, according to the Daily Mail.
"What I saw after the final, what I have experienced, is there is no reason to mix these things up because the goalkeeper's behaviour is down to him.
"What matters to me is the relationship between the players. Kylian Mbappe had a very good attitude, despite losing.
"Of course, he was very disappointed, but he did that in a classy way. He congratulated Leo Messi and that is a very good thing for the club and for the team."
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Mbappe returned to PSG training last week, while Messi is only expected to return in the first week of January after he was given time by the club to celebrate and enjoy some downtime in his country.
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