Pochettino on Messi after WC debut: «I’d rather face Spain than Argentina» | OneFootball

United States national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for Lionel Messi after his spectacular hat-trick against Algeria. In an interview with the radio show El Partidazo de COPE, the Santa Fe-born manager referred to the imposing performance of the Rosario star in the debut of his sixth World Cup.

“He’s from another planet. It’s impossible… Any comparison, any metaphor we use, any words to describe him, it’s impossible, it wouldn’t be fair,” said the coach about the player he managed during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. He also highlighted the atmosphere surrounding Lionel Scaloni’s team’s opening match: “It’s incredible to watch him, it’s incredible to see the world champion with its players, with its coaching staff, to see the fans… It was the only match where you could hear the crowd more than the commentators’ broadcast.”

Along the same lines, the U.S. coach did not hesitate to place Argentina at the top of the list of title contenders, stating that “they are the team to beat, the favorites. They showed it yesterday in the first match, which is always difficult.”

During the conversation, Pochettino was asked whether he would prefer a clash with Spain or Argentina in the decisive stages of the tournament. “It would be a good sign for us. That would be great. It would be a great sign. Now… I’d rather face Spain than Argentina, for emotional reasons. Facing Argentina and fighting to see who goes through… Either one, I’d sign up for it right now,” he confessed with a laugh.

The United States made headlines in the first matchday of Group D after thrashing Paraguay 4-1. Based on the tournament bracket, if the U.S. team advances as group winner — and the same happens with La Roja and La Albiceleste — Pochettino’s side would face Spain in a hypothetical quarterfinal and would only meet Argentina in a potential final of the tournament.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.