Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino is convinced that Lionel Messi “is going to show his best version” against Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
“Leo is a genius, he is something out of the ordinary, he is one of the players who come out every 100 years in football,” Pochettino assured in an interview with Cadena Ser radio from Thursday to Friday night.
“What he has contributed to the team is incredible, beyond the fact that since he arrived he has not been lucky enough to be benefited by the circumstances,” said the Argentine coach.
Messi, who arrived at PSG last summer after leaving Barcelona, has not been able to shine as well as was expected of him, although he once again showed his best image in the 5-1 league victory against Lille on Sunday.
“He always kept calm and knowing how to be, he is in his fullness, at his best moment of maturity, I think he reaches this decisive part of the season at his best moment,” Pochettino assured.
“I have no doubt that he will show his best version” against Real Madrid, insisted the Argentine coach, who denied that Messi could be unmotivated in the French championship.
“Competing is in his genes, what he loves most is competing. He is a competitive animal. He wants to win everything, they want to win in training. I have no doubt that he wants to win and he wants to win. It is in his genes. It is his DNA”, Pochettino assured.
The Argentinian coach did not want to reveal whether he could count on Neymar against Real Madrid, who has not played since November due to an ankle problem.
“I see Neymar close to returning to the group and to the team. The next few days are going to be key to knowing if he will be able to be in Tuesday’s game or not,” said Pochettino.
