Pochettino: Messi is better than Mbappe

FT Desk

• 9 Mar 2022 19:20 GMT
• 3 min read

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino believes that Lionel Messi is still the best player in the world, despite the sensational form of Kylian Mbappe this season.

Messi is the reigning Ballon d’Or holder but has been somewhat underwhelming since his shock Bosman Transfer to the club from Barcelona last summer.

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The Argentine has scored just two Ligue 1 goals all season, although he does have five strikes in the Champions League.

Mbappe, meanwhile, has established himself as the undoubted star man of PSG with 24 goals in 34 games in all competitions.

This included the injury-time winner in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 in Paris.

Ahead of the return leg in Madrid on Wednesday, Pochettino stressed that Messi is still the number one.

What did Pochettino say?

"Messi is the best in the world with seven Ballon d'Or trophies, then we have great players who aspire to be the best," Pochettino said at his pre-game press conference.

"Kylian [Mbappe]'s form speaks for itself.

"He's among those players who are the best and who are shining brightest."

Mbappe’s contract at PSG expires at the end of the season and he is widely expected to join Madrid on a Bosman Transfer this summer.

But Pochettino, who has always stressed that he hopes Mbappe stays, says he calm about the status quo.

"We're relaxed about Kylian, let's be clear about that," he added.

"He's mature beyond his years, he wants to be in the picture and represent the colours he's wearing.

"I have no worries about Kylian. His performance won't be affected by everything happening around about him."

Mbappe has been passed fit for Wednesday’s game having initially been at risk of missing the match with a foot problem.