Pochettino convinced that Messi “is going to show his best version” against Real Madrid

The coach of PSGMauricio Pochettino, stated that he was convinced that Leo Messi “He is going to show his best version” against Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of the round of 16 Champions League.

“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”, assured Pochettino in an interview with Cadena Ser radio on the night of Thursday to Friday.

“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 “affirmed 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”, assured Pochettino.

“I have no doubt that he is going to show his best version” against Real Madrid, insisted the Argentine coach, who rejected that Messi could be unmotivated in the French championship.

“It is in his genes to compete, what he loves most is to compete. It is a competitive animal. They want to win everything, they want to win in training. I have no doubt that he wants to win and wants to win. He carries it in his genes. It’s your DNA”, assured Pochettino.

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 the team. The next few days are going to be key to know if he will be able to be in Tuesday’s game or notPochettino stated.