Mauricio Pochettino believes that Lionel Messi was judged unfairly throughout his debut campaign in Paris.
A little about the topic
The Argentine footballer is on the same level as Maradona, according to the Argentine manager, who backed the PSG superstar to silence his critics next season. Lionel cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers during his 17-year stay at Barcelona, where he won multiple La Liga and Champions League crowns and became the club’s record goalscorer. The Argentine player was forced to leave at the end of his contract last summer amid the well-documented Blaugran financial crisis and was then snapped by Paris Saint-Germain for a free transfer but failed to meet his usual standards in his first year at the Parc des Princes.
What did Pochettino say about Messi?
Lionel was overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe throughout the 2021-22 campaign as he struggled for consistency in the final third of the innings, with some Paris Saint-Germain fans even singled out the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for beads and girs after their Champions League round of 16 losses to Real. With the Ligue 1 title already secured, Lionel drew another blank during the 3-3 draw in Strasbourg on Friday, but Mauricio believes he was unfairly tried after a tumultuous 12 months. Pochettino also compared Lionel Messi to the late Argentine icon Maradona, who inspired his country to World Cup glory in 1986.
The Argentine coach said that they are not talking about an ordinary player, Lionel Messi is on the same level as Diego Maradona. According to Pochettino, it is clear that his move from Barcelona to PSG was a big change in which an adaptation process was needed. Certain circumstances did not allow him to feel as comfortable as in Barcelona, where Messi spent 20 years. Where Lionel Messi was the club’s flag bearer.
Mauricio says that it is unfair to judge Lionel in this way. Mauricio has no doubts about his quality… Next season will be a completely different season for Messi. It was a year of learning, not only on a professional level coming to Paris, in a new league and with new teammates, but also on a family level. This must be taken into account. This is a serious shock that can affect the player.