Mauricio Pochettino explains difference between Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappe

Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has highlighted the differences between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as the two club teammates prepare to butt heads in the World Cup final.

Pochettino was in charge of both players last season – Messi’s first in Paris – and struggled to find a way to maximise his fellow Argentine, who has exploded back to his best for both club and country this season.

The two have been among the best performers at the World Cup this winter and are battling it out for the Golden Boot.

In anticipation of the game, Pochettino gave his unique insight into both players.

The truth is that it has been a satisfaction and a source of pride to have coached them,” he told La Vanguardia.

“[Messi] has won seven Ballons d’Or and [Mbappe] has the chance to win this recognition even though he is already a world champion. I think we are talking about the best, who is Leo Messi, and another who aspires to be the best, who is Mbappe.

“Mbappe is a player who needs a lot of space to run and Messi is the total player. The one who defines in the opponent’s area and the one who plays partnering and defending to generate play. They are two different players for whom anyone who loves football would pay for a ticket to go see.”

Now purely enjoying Messi on an international level, Pochettino hailed the veteran forward as a ‘gladiator’ for the way he has led Argentina at the World Cup.

“We’ve already recognized his talent, and we’ve been recognizing it for more than 20 years,” he added. “But well, I think that the leadership and emotional commitment that he is exercising in this World Cup is something that excites all those who love football.

“Now we see a Messi enjoying himself. A Messi who is a gladiator on the field but with an exquisite talent that makes him the best player in the world. Logically, as an Argentinian, you feel that you multiply all those emotions tenfold.”