Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar shares his thoughts on playing with Messi – “A stroke of luck”
In a recent interview with Movistar+, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his experience playing alongside Lionel Messi.
The two footballers had shared the dressing room at Paris Saint-Germain when the Argentine international had joined the French outfit in 2021.
Mbappe and Messi played together for two years before the latter eventually left PSG in favour of a move to Inter Miami.
Mbappe on playing with Messi
Talking about his experience of playing alongside Messi, Mbappe admitted it was a ‘stroke of luck’ and that he never expected to play with the Argentine.
‘It was a stroke of luck to play with Lionel Messi. I didn’t think I was going to play with him,” he told Movistar+.
Mbappe and Messi shared the pitch together 67 times, during which Messi scored 14 goals assisted by Mbappe, while the Frenchman scored 20 goals assisted by Messi.
The duo was part of a larger PSG attacking trifecta involving Neymar, but the combination fell through when Messi left in 2023, which was followed by Neymar’s departure in the same summer.
Nevertheless, Mbappe, now at Real Madrid, admitted that he never imagined playing alongside Messi because he had always harboured the dream of playing for Los Blancos.
“My dream was playing for Real Madrid and I never thought I’d go to Barcelona in my life,” the Frenchman added.
More than 16 months into his Real Madrid career, it is safe to say that Mbappe hasn’t disappointed at all, racking up as many as 58 goals in 69 competitive appearances.
The French international has been on fire this season, in particular, scoring 14 goals in 10 competitive matches while mustering two assists, marking a career best start to a season.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
