Kylian Mbappe's Return to Lusail Stadium: Seeking Redemption After World Cup Heartbreak

Two years ago, on this very day, Lusail Stadium in Doha hosted a historic World Cup final between France and Argentina. The match ended in a 3-3 draw, with Argentina clinching victory in the penalty shootout. Kylian Mbappe delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a hat-trick, yet it remains one of the most bittersweet nights of his career.

Tonight, Lusail Stadium, boasting a capacity of 89,000, is set to welcome Mbappe once more as Real Madrid faces Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final. This occasion offers Mbappe a chance to rewrite his narrative at this venue.

In the 2022 final, Mbappe was relatively quiet until the 80th minute, when he erupted with two quick goals to level the score. He later completed his hat-trick in extra time, showcasing his resilience and talent. Both he and Lionel Messi successfully converted their penalties in the shootout, but ultimately, France fell short.

There is speculation about Mbappe's participation in tonight's match due to a muscular injury. However, considering the perceived strength disparity between Real Madrid and Pachuca, there is optimism that Mbappe might feature, potentially breaking the Lusail curse and lifting the trophy this time around.