LIONEL MESSI returned to Paris Saint-Germain training on Wednesday following Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 35, received a hero’s welcome as he took to the club’s Camp des Loges training pitch for the first time since leading his country to an incredible World Cup final win over France.
But, not everyone was thrilled to see him.
While players and staff members lined up to perform a guard of honour for Messi as he made his way onto the pitch, Ethan Mbappe – brother of Kylian Mbappe – was seen giving the Argentina icon a “death stare”.
Fans immediately picked up on the reaction, with one person tweeting: “Ethan Mbappe’s reaction is quite funny. He’s not here to shake hands with Messi.”
Another added: “The way Ethan Mbappe is giving Messi death stares!”
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And a third said: “Ethan Mbappe’s look at Messi during the guard of honour they gave him for his return…”
Meanwhile, other fans were quick to question the whereabouts of Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi, who were not in attendance.
Following PSG’s shock 3-1 defeat to Lens on Sunday, Mbappe and Hakimi were granted some time off by Christophe Galtier.
The duo have since enjoyed a holiday to New York which included a trip to watch the Brooklyn Nets defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.
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Both players have posted pictures of their time in the Big Apple on social media.
But some supporters have joked that they only went in order to avoid Messi’s return.
One person tweeted: “Did Mbappe and Hakimi jet off to watch Brooklyn Nets so they wouldn’t have to give Messi a Guard Of Honour?”
Another added: “Mbappe knew Messi is coming back, he took Hakimi and went to New York City!”
While a third said: “They gave Mbappe 10 days of vacation after the World Cup, he didn’t take it, he ran to train, the day Messi returns to train, he and Hakimi are not there.”
Hakimi enjoyed a record-breaking World Cup campaign last year when Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-final stage of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Mbappe narrowly missed out on a second World Cup title when France suffered defeat to Argentina on penalties in the final.
The Frenchman experienced trolling from Argentina fans in the wake of the final.
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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also got involved, taunting Mbappe by clutching a baby doll with the striker’s face on during a victory parade.
However, he did have something to cheer about as he outscored PSG teammate Messi to win the race for the golden boot.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
