Mauricio Pochettino insists that he never doubted Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, saying after a big performance on Sunday that his fellow Argentine remains « the best player in the world ».
Messi has gotten off to a slow start at PSG, but the former Barcelona star shined in a win over Lille.
The Argentine had a goal and an assist in the 5-1 triumph over last season’s Ligue 1 champions, and Pochettino says is only a matter of time before Messi truly gets going.
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What was said?
« I had no doubts, Leo is the best player in the world, » Pochettino said after the match.
« Like anyone, he needs time to adapt. He needed time to recover his best physical shape, after a month without playing because of the Covid.
« It’s important that Leo shows such participation and commitment. »
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe said everything is starting to come together for PSG while refusing to confirm a summer move to Real Madrid.
« We keep trying to ramp things up, » Mbappe told Amazon Prime. « Today it was a lot more complete, there was more movement, and more character as well.
« My decision is not made. I think that playing against Real Madrid changes a lot of things. Even though I’m free to do what I want right now, I’m not going to go and talk to the opponent or do those kinds of things. I’m focused on winning against Real Madrid, trying to make a difference and then we’ll see what happens. »
Messi’s PSG career so far
With Sunday’s goal, Messi has now scored twice in Ligue 1, although he does have six goals in all competitions.
Messi has seen life in Ligue 1 slowed by injuries and a positive Covid test, but that hasn’t slowed down PSG as they sit atop Ligue 1 with a 13 point lead through 26 games.
They’re also still in the Champions League, where PSG will face Messi’s former rivals Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
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