Neymar has offered a surprising look into the dynamics of Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) superstar trio, claiming that Kylian Mbappé was “a little jealous” of Lionel Messi after the Argentine joined the club in 2021. The Brazilian forward revealed that “ego clashes” within the squad hindered PSG’s Champions League ambitions despite their immense talent.
How Messi’s arrival disrupted PSG’s offensive trio
When Lionel Messi signed with PSG in 2021, it was hailed as a monumental moment for the club. The combination of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé created a front three that rivaled the greatest attacks in football history. However, Neymar has now shared that Messi’s arrival shifted the balance within the team.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by Brazilian legend Romário, Neymar explained, “After Messi came, [Mbappé] was a little jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone. There were some fights, and his behavior changed.” Neymar went on to describe how his relationship with Mbappé started strong, calling him his former “golden boy.” “I always supported him, had dinner with him, and said he would become one of the best,” Neymar added. However, Messi’s presence appeared to create friction, altering their once-close bond.
Big egos and missed opportunities in the Champions League
PSG entered each season with a clear goal: to win their first Champions League title. With a payroll exceeding £3.25 million per week for the trio alone, expectations were sky-high. Yet, the team repeatedly fell short in critical moments, with Neymar pointing to ego clashes as a key obstacle.
“It’s good to have egos, but you have to know you can’t play alone,” Neymar said. “If nobody runs or helps, it’s impossible to win anything.” The Brazilian forward emphasized how the lack of unity during high-pressure games caused the team to crumble when it mattered most.
During their tenure together, PSG suffered several high-profile Champions League exits, including defeats to
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Despite their star power and moments of brilliance, the team struggled with what Neymar described as a “fractured locker room,” where big personalities clashed and disrupted the collective effort. These shortcomings left PSG’s Champions League ambitions unfulfilled.
The end of an era: Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé’s departures
By 2024, PSG’s celebrated attacking trio had gone their separate ways. Messi joined Inter Miami in the MLS, Mbappé signed with Real Madrid, and Neymar moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Reflecting on their time at PSG, Neymar acknowledged the team’s potential but admitted their lack of cohesion was their undoing. “We had everything to succeed, but we didn’t come together as a team,” he said.
Neymar’s transition to Al-Hilal has been marred by injuries, raising questions about his future. Reports suggest he could return to Brazil or even move to the MLS, with several North American clubs reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian star. Meanwhile, Mbappé has taken center stage at Real Madrid, where he aims to cement his legacy and step out of the shadow of his former PSG teammates.
Lessons from PSG’s “super team” experiment
The Neymar-Messi-Mbappé era at PSG stands as a cautionary tale for clubs attempting to build “super teams.” While the trio’s individual brilliance was undeniable, the lack of chemistry and unity prevented them from achieving their shared goal. Neymar’s candid revelations highlight the importance of teamwork and sacrifice, even at the highest levels of the sport.
As Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé carve out their own paths, their time at PSG will be remembered as a story of unfulfilled promise—a team that dazzled on paper but fell short when it counted most. The lessons learned from their tenure may influence how future superstars and clubs navigate the delicate balance of talent and teamwork.
