PSG star Kylian Mbappe has found himself on the receiving end of stinging criticisms from fans and pundits after several on-field incidents from the last game against Montpellier have gone viral. 

Assembling a star-studded attack has come with a cost, and it’s visible in the on-field equation between two of the most expensive players in the club’s history: Neymar and Mbappe. Even though PSG crushed Montpellier 5-2, Mbappe’s antics stole the limelight. 

The first incident happened just before half-time when the PSG were awarded the second penalty of the game. The French striker, despite missing the first penalty in the 23rd minute, wanted to attempt again. But Neymar was quick to take the ball and set up his strike. Both of them were involved in a verbal duel before Mbappe finally had to relent. 

The Brazillian successfully converted the penalty and ran to the fans with his tongue out. Mbappe seemed to be bothered by the incident, and it came through in the rest of the game. 

All hell broke loose when he deliberately shoved Lionel Messi after the latter failed to pass him the ball. The Argentine was stunned by this, staring unflinchingly at Mbappe while he kept walking without paying any heed. 

Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend, didn’t mince words, stating he has never seen such a big egomaniac as Mbappe. “A 23-year-old player commits to pushing Messi,” he told Depar Sports. “I have never seen a bigger ego in my life. Someone should remind Mbappe that when Messi was 23 he had already won four Ballon d’Ors.”

Rooney’s comments have lit up the internet, as many fans joined him to criticise Mbappe, who hasn’t yet won a single Ballon d’Or. The French forward also stopped his run when Vitinha didn’t look at him and played the ball to his opposite side. Had Mbappe continued to sprint, he would have got a direct pass in front of the goal.

Mbappe has also drawn ire from Brazil’s head coach Tite for saying South American football lack competition. “Maybe [Mbappe] is talking about these Nations League clashes or European friendlies, but not World Cup qualifiers. We don’t have, with all due respect, Azerbaijan to play,” said Tite. 

Lead Image: Kylian Mbappe/Twitter