Debate over Messi's lack of defensive work is 'almost stupid', mocks Pochettino
Discussion of Lionel Messi's defensive work is 'almost silly', according to his former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Messi's Argentina will take part in their sixth World Cup final on Sunday against France, aiming to get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 1986.
Messi will claim the World Cup appearance record by playing his 26th and likely last game of the tournament, as he could become the first player to record 20 goals in the competition (currently 11 goals, eight assists) .
The Argentine captain started the tournament slowly, with some observers criticizing his work rate, but he shone in the round of 16.
The former Albiceleste international Pochettino, who coached Messi at PSG until his sacking earlier this year, laughed off such concerns and compared Messi to two icons of the game not known for their work defensive.
"Honestly, I think the debate about Messi's defensive work is so outdated, almost silly," he wrote in The Athletic.
"You can't pretend that [Diego] Maradona or Pelé - along with Messi, the most important players in football - have focused on getting the ball back. He can't participate in that. He just needs that the others run for him.
"He doesn't need to press. When you have Messi, you need the other players to understand that they have to get the ball and give it to him so he can conserve his energy and then be decisive , as shown."
Argentina's run to the final wasn't all about Messi, however, as Lionel Scaloni's side proved resolute in defence.
They limited their opponents to just 5.7 shots per game, less than any other team. Indeed, they haven't faced more than 0.6 expected goals in any of their six games so far.
Pochettino believes defensive solidity and work ethic have been crucial in enabling Messi to flourish.
"Of course Argentina need Messi, but Messi needs the other 10 players to fight for him at all times," he added. "That's one of the keys to this team: they all believe that by playing for Messi they can win the World Cup.
"You can see the players are giving 120% to achieve that. Different players: [Rodrigo] De Paul, [Alexis] Mac Allister, [Enzo] Fernandez, [Julian] Alvarez, they're giving their all. they have and more, and they do it for Messi.
"They give their all because it's their dream, they're so close, and when they have Messi they know that anything is possible.
"That's the most important thing about this Argentina team and the reason why they are in the final. It's because the players understand their role perfectly. When you have Messi in your team, you have to run for him.
"And when you have the ball, you have to give it to him as soon as possible so he can create something. So the players know what they have to do at all times: give Messi everything he needs to be decisive."
Discussion of Lionel Messi's defensive work is 'almost silly', according to his former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Messi's Argentina will take part in their sixth World Cup final on Sunday against France, aiming to get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 1986.
Messi will claim the World Cup appearance record by playing his 26th and likely last game of the tournament, as he could become the first player to record 20 goals in the competition (currently 11 goals, eight assists) .
The Argentine captain started the tournament slowly, with some observers criticizing his work rate, but he shone in the round of 16.
The former Albiceleste international Pochettino, who coached Messi at PSG until his sacking earlier this year, laughed off such concerns and compared Messi to two icons of the game not known for their work defensive.
"Honestly, I think the debate about Messi's defensive work is so outdated, almost silly," he wrote in The Athletic.
"You can't pretend that [Diego] Maradona or Pelé - along with Messi, the most important players in football - have focused on getting the ball back. He can't participate in that. He just needs that the others run for him.
"He doesn't need to press. When you have Messi, you need the other players to understand that they have to get the ball and give it to him so he can conserve his energy and then be decisive , as shown."
Argentina's run to the final wasn't all about Messi, however, as Lionel Scaloni's side proved resolute in defence.
They limited their opponents to just 5.7 shots per game, less than any other team. Indeed, they haven't faced more than 0.6 expected goals in any of their six games so far.
Pochettino believes defensive solidity and work ethic have been crucial in enabling Messi to flourish.
"Of course Argentina need Messi, but Messi needs the other 10 players to fight for him at all times," he added. "That's one of the keys to this team: they all believe that by playing for Messi they can win the World Cup.
"You can see the players are giving 120% to achieve that. Different players: [Rodrigo] De Paul, [Alexis] Mac Allister, [Enzo] Fernandez, [Julian] Alvarez, they're giving their all. they have and more, and they do it for Messi.
"They give their all because it's their dream, they're so close, and when they have Messi they know that anything is possible.
"That's the most important thing about this Argentina team and the reason why they are in the final. It's because the players understand their role perfectly. When you have Messi in your team, you have to run for him.
"And when you have the ball, you have to give it to him as soon as possible so he can create something. So the players know what they have to do at all times: give Messi everything he needs to be decisive."
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