Lionel Messi will show ‘his best version’ against Real Madrid, says Paris Saint-Germain manager

The coach of Paris Saint-Germain, Mauricio Pochettinois convinced that Lionel Messi “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,” Pochettino assured in an interview with the radio. Being Chain on Thursday 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 all that 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,” said 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.

“Competing is in his genes, what he loves most is competing. It is a competitive animal. He wants to win everything, he wants 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 his DNA,” said 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 the game on Tuesday or not, ”said Pochettino. (D)