Pochettino hails Messi after World Cup bow: Spain over 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 program El Partidazo de COPE, the Santa Fe-born coach spoke about 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,” the manager said about the player he coached during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. He also highlighted the atmosphere surrounding Lionel Scaloni’s team’s opener: “It’s incredible to watch, it’s incredible to see the world champion with its players, with the 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. head coach did not hesitate to place Argentina at the top of the title contenders, stating that “they are the team to beat, the favorite. 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. It 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 for it right now,” he confessed with a laugh.

The United States made headlines in the opening round of Group D after thrashing Paraguay 4-1. According to 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.