Neymar speaks out on Messi and Mbappe partnership at PSG
FT Desk
- 2 Aug 2022 16:10 BST
- 3 min read
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has spoken out on his partnership with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, warning that the trio hoped for even better fortunes together in the 2022-23 season.
The addition of the Argentine to the PSG front-line created one of the most highly anticipated forward combinations in recent memory, with the Ligue 1 giants bringing together three genuine superstars.
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Their first season as a trident did not live up to those lofty expectations, however.
Messi for once struggled for goals in his first experience of club football away from Barcelona, though he was typically decisive in creating, returning a total of 15 assists in the league alone.
And while Mbappe led the top flight in goals scored with 28 in 35 games, Neymar suffered a disappointing season in front of the net, finishing with just 13 in 28 games in all competitions.
PSG's Champions League collapse at the hands of Real Madrid further increased scrutiny on the star-studded squad, with Messi and the Brazilian in particular questioned for their contribution to the cause.
According to the forward, however, Messi is not looking to cut short his time at the club.
"No, no, I don't think so. People talk a lot without knowing what is going on inside the club," he told reporters following his star turn in Sunday's Trophee des Champions win over Nantes.
"We see it every day, Lionel Messi remains Lionel Messi. He will not change and will always remain a player who will be the difference maker."
Will Neymar stay at PSG?
Neymar has also been linked with a move away from Parc des Princes, though no concrete transfer has emerged so far in the summer window.
Reports have also emerged of a rift with Mbappe, after the pair were filmed in a moment of apparent tension during a training session earlier this year.
The Brazilian's two-goal haul against Nantes will help dispel the rumours of an exit, and he insists that all three members of the strike partnership are ready to hit the ground running in 2022-23.
"I hope [Messi] will stay like this this season and that everything will go well for me, Leo and Kylian," he added.
"If all three of us are fine, PSG will be fine."
