Kylian Mbappe slams PSG fans for their treatment of the GOAT Lionel Messi

Kylian Mbappe has claimed that Lionel Messi wasn't shown the respect he deserved from PSG fans as he prepares to leave the club.

The Argentinian legend, who won the World Cup for the first time in his career in December, will depart Parc des Princes at the end of the month upon the expiry of his contract.

Messi initially signed a two-year contract with the club in 2021, becoming their most high-profile signing in history after his Barcelona deal could not be renewed.

It did take him time to hit top form in France, as he scored just six goals in his first Ligue 1 campaign.

But he has been much improved, particularly in the opening months, during this term, scoring 16 goals and providing a further 16 assists in 32 league appearances.

Another four goals and four assists came in the Champions League, and while Messi tasted success in Argentina, he couldn't help to deliver a first major European crown to his club side.

His form did dip after the World Cup, and he was booed by PSG fans on multiple occasions - including during the club's Ligue 1 title celebration.

Now, his soon-to-be former team-mate Mbappe has spoken out about criticism he received.

Mbappe on Messi

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (quotes via Goal), Mbappe said: "We are talking about potentially the best player in the history of football. It's never good news when someone like Messi leaves.

"Personally, I don't understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone. We are talking about Messi.

"He needs to be respected, and instead he didn't get the respect he deserved in France. It's a shame, but that's how it happened. We will have to do what we can to replace him."

Messi is set to move to MLS franchise Inter Miami, having confirmed his intention to join them at the end of his PSG contract in an interview with Spanish outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport. The deal has not yet been finalised.

The 35-year-old could be joined in the States by former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba. The Spaniard will leave Camp Nou this summer on a free transfer, and ESPN claim that Inter Miami have also contacted the left-back over a move.