Mauricio Pochettino insisted Lionel Messi remains “the best player in the world” after the Paris Saint-Germain superstar ended his lengthy wait for a second Ligue 1 goal.
Messi, 34, produced a trademark dinked finish to score PSG’s third in a 5-1 rout of defending champions Lille on Sunday.
The Argentine superstar also chipped in with his second assist in two league games to suggest he has finally found his feet after an injury and coronavirus -struck start in the French capital.
Messi has not been his usual free scoring self since joining PSG last summer following the expiry of his contract at Barcelona.
His only Ligue 1 goal prior to his delicate finish against Lille came against Nantes back in November, and his best performances have been confined to the Champions League.
Reports from the continent earlier in February claimed Messi is unhappy with the climate in Paris compared to Barcelona and his family are struggling to adapt to the culture.
But Pochettino played down these fears after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner shone against Lille, arguing it is natural new players need time to adapt.
“I had no doubts, Leo is the best player in the world,” the PSG boss told reporters. “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.”
Post a Comment