Mbappé adored as US fans meet Les Bleus at Bentley University, with Messi even mentioned | OneFootball

France held their first open training in front of a selected crowd at Bentley University on Friday, and Kylian Mbappé drew every cheer. Many in the stands knew only the captain, underlining how new Les Bleus still are to some locals.

According to L'Équipe, 450 people watched Friday’s workout at Bentley University, the squad’s second session there and, for now, the only one open to the public. The campus has been turning blue, with student buses swapping route signs for "Allez les Bleus".

Two hours beforehand, a small tournament ran on an adjacent pitch and the chatter was in English and Spanish. Volunteers handed out co-branded T-shirts and Panini albums. Of the attendees, 400 were invited by the City of Boston and FIFA, and 50 came via the French consulate in Boston, from a 12,000-strong register.

Some fans said tickets came through brands, reinforcing the private feel. The Democratic governor, Maura Healey, gave brief remarks and held a short press stop before the players emerged. PSG shirts dotted the stands alongside France kits.

Every Mbappé touch drew applause. A 12-year-old reeled off names such as Michael Olise, Hernandez and Doué, yet others even asked whether Messi was part of the group. One supporter from upstate said the sport is growing fast in the US, helped by Messi’s move to Miami, and called it an honour to host a Ballon d’Or.

Another promised that, even if not everyone is familiar yet, they will now follow this France team all the way.

Source: L'Équipe