Pochettino defends Messi, reveals Neymar could start at Nantes

Mauricio Pochettino has moved to defend Lionel Messi after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s missed penalty against Real Madrid.

Although Kylian Mbappe’s superb late winner put the Parisians on the brink of the Champions League quarter-finals, Messi’s performance in the first leg drew criticism.

Since his first season in the competition (2004-05), no player has missed more Champions League penalties than Messi, who has failed with five spot-kicks.

But speaking ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 trip to Nantes on Saturday, Pochettino launched a strong defence of his fellow Argentinian.

“Messi is the best in the world,” said former Tottenham boss Pochettino. “A player like him, with his experience, and what he means, is the essence of football.

“If you want to explain to someone what football is all about, it is Leo Messi.

“In no way will missing a penalty affect his confidence, that is impossible. If anyone thinks that, they do not understand this sport. 

“I am pleased with his performance. He played well [against Madrid], which was down to his ability to link difference pieces together on the pitch.

“Leo Messi is football.”

Messi has struggled for consistency during a stop-start first season in French capital, netting just two league goals from an expected goals tally of 5.82, a notable underperformance of over three goals.

The former Barcelona captain was joined on the pitch against Real Madrid by Neymar, as the substitute provided the assist for Mbappe’s match-winning strike with a sumptuous backheel.

Pochettino has confirmed the Brazilian is now in contention to make his first start since suffering an ankle injury against Saint-Etienne last November.

#FCNPSG pic.twitter.com/WIqP2yflxU

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 17, 2022

“Neymar could start [against Nantes],” Pochettino said on Friday.

“He has been doing well in training, and he has been very focused at every stage of his recovery, showing his commitment to get back to his best level and help the team.

“We hope that he is over these problems now, and through playing competitive games, that he can reach his best level.”

Neymar has suffered a plethora of injury issues since making his own move from Barcelona to Paris in 2017, failing to make over 20 Ligue 1 starts in a single season to date. However, he has managed 59 goals and 34 assists in his 80 league appearances for the capital club.

A decisive return for @neymarjr

Sofyiedescours pic.twitter.com/RJAzqKXtdE

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 16, 2022