LIGUE 1 - Pochettino on Messi: ''He totally deserves the Ballon d'Or''

30.11.2021 23:20 of D.B. TransferMarketWeb   see readings
LIGUE 1 - Pochettino on Messi: ''He totally deserves the Ballon d'Or''
TRANSFERmarketWEB.com
© photo Imago/Image Sport

On Monday, Lionel Messi was given a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or, but the reaction to his achievement was mixed for the first time in his storied career.

After a tumultuous year that saw him bid a sorrowful farewell to Barcelona and join Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentinian legend has made a hesitant start to life in France.

Despite failing to completely fire for the capital club, PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino was convinced that his player deserved to become the first player from France to win the Ballon d'Or.

"He totally deserves the Ballon d'Or. There is no debate on this subject," Pochettino insisted ahead of PSG's game against high-flying Nice on Wednesday.

"I can understand that in other countries some do not agree, but I think he deserved it.

"We also hope that it is the first day of the makings of what can become an eighth Ballon d'Or. We are all delighted to have Messi here."