Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi led the way in the 5-1 win over Lille OSC in Ligue 1 play. The Argentine forward chipped in with a pair of goal contributions to go along with 54 successful passes completed.
For PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, it was far from a surprise to him to see this keen showing from the veteran forward. In the big picture, Pochettino is also looking ahead to what the longtime forward will do in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Real Madrid later this month, which he opened up about to Prime Video Sport France (via Le10Sport).
“I think there is no doubt about Leo,” Pochettino said. “He’s a special player. There has been everything that has happened in recent months with Covid, but no doubt he will manage to recover and will be in the best possible shape for the game against Real Madrid. There are not many players like him in the world. And there is no doubt that he will be present for this appointment.”
Overall, Messi has now notched six goal contributions in his last six appearances in all competitions with PSG, which include the notable double against Club Brugge in the home Champions League group stage fixture.
PSG will have its next Ligue 1 fixture this Friday when it will host Rennes at the Parc des Princes. Rennes currently sits at fifth in the Ligue 1 standings.
