Lionel Messi has 'unwritten alliance' with Neymar to eclipse Kylian Mbappe's power in PSG dressing room: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi has forged an unwritten alliance with Neymar to eclipse Kylian Mbappe's power at the Parc des Princes, as per El Nacional.
It was widely expected that France striker Mbappe would leave PSG to join Real Madrid following the expiration of his contract earlier this summer. Instead, the young Frenchman was handed a blockbuster new three-year deal by the Ligue 1 giants.
The contract renewal reportedly made Mbappe the side's highest-paid player, alongside giving him power over certain decisions within the club.
Off the back of this, the French star weilds considerable power in the dressing room at the Parc des Princes.
Messi's reaction when Mbappe pushed him with his shoulder 😠 https://t.co/v5I0Z4DrOf
This has created an issue with Messi as the Argentine now has a reported 'unwritten alliance' with Neymar to offset Mbappe's power in the dressing room.
Mbappe and Messi are seemingly at loggerheads, with the former having the support of PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi. During the side's 5-2 victory over Montpellier, the French striker had an altercation with Neymar over taking a penalty.
Mbappe now wants a meeting to be held in order for it to be made clear that he runs the dressing room.
Lionel Messi is off to a fine start for PSG in the 2022-23 season
Lionel Messi's difficult start to life in the French capital following his blockbuster free transfer from Barcelona last summer is well documented.
He has previously spoken about this season being a new opportunity for him to get back to his best following a year of adaptation.
The former Barca forward told 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.
He continued:
"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."
Messi and Neymar leading the show🐐🎩 https://t.co/E7aPOx5lde
Messi has started his sophomore season in Paris in impressive fashion with three goals and an assist in his first three appearances.
PSG next face Lille on August 21 and it will be intriguing to see the dynamic between the three superstars at PSG.