Kylian Mbappe has found himself amid controversy after criticizing South American soccer. Recently, his remarks surfaced, prompting a wave of criticism and condemnation. Though the stature of the game may vary from place to place, there’s no denying that soccer is a game that unites everyone and talent is on every continent around the world. A former Brazilian player has now chimed in with countering the Frenchman in defense of Latin American soccer.

While it’s true that the style of competition is different in Europe and South America, Mbappe’s comments seem to have badly backfired.

Kylian Mbappe is hit by unexpected backlash after his South American soccer comments

Prior to the World Cup, Kylian Mbappe made an eyebrow-raising claim regarding South American soccer. He said that the European countries have more advantages, which often results in high-level matches. The PSG superstar also claimed that Argentina and Brazil lack a similar level of competition in South America, and the sport on that continent is considered less developed compared to Europe. This, according to him, is a key reason why the majority of recent World Cup champions, barring the last one, hail from Europe.

Interestingly, his words recently caught the attention of former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo. While speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, the 40-year-old did not hold back his words. He said, “Kylian Mbappe is a fool. He scored three goals in the final, ok, but Argentina became champion and Messi the best in the world. He still has a lot to learn, he can’t talk about South American football.”

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The Fluminense veteran then took a dig at Mbappe’s country. “Scouts come from Europe every year looking for players here in South America not in France. Fortunately, I didn’t have the chance to play against him (Kylian Mbappe). Luckily, I don’t know if it’s for me or for him.” Indeed, these are a few bold statements from Melo, who attempted to defend the integrity and quality of soccer in South America.

Certainly, it won’t settle well in Kylian Mbappe’s ears. But the Frenchman is yet to respond on the same. Meanwhile, after yesterday’s defeat against AC Milan, the lethal striker gave a sobering assessment of PSG’s aspirations in the Champions League.

Mbappe adopts a measured tone regarding PSG’s Champions League success

Yesterday, PSG played their Champions League Group F match against AC Milan. Unfortunately, the Parisians lost 2-1 against the Italian side. Milan Skriniar’s ninth-minute strike was quickly equalized by Rafael Leao. A  few minutes after the second half began, Oliver Giroud clinched the winning goal. During a post-match interview, when questioned about PSG’s pursuit of Champions League glory, Mbappe said, “The first objective is to win the next match against Newcastle. That’s the most important thing right now”.

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His remarks suggest that the player is not going to rush his decision or judgment over the thought of PSG’s glory in the UCL. Notably, the loss now keeps them second in the table with six points, a point behind leaders Dortmund. Meanwhile, Milan is one point short of the French side. With PSG playing Newcastle next, it remains to be seen how the table will change. Any thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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