The entire world is waiting for the ultimate football drama, FIFA World Cup 2022, with bated breath which is set to be played at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday (December 18). The football fraternity is intrigued to know who will have the last laugh in the battle of giants which will see Argentina and defending champions France slugging it out for the elusive FIFA World Cup title. The grand finale will also be Messi's last dance at the FIFA World Cup as the match will present the GOAT last chance at immortality. On the other hand, for the sensational Mbappe, if he wins, he will take over the mantle of the legendary Argentine as the next generation.
Meanwhile, former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has managed both Messi and Mbappe in the French League, has pointed out the differences between the 35-year-old magic and 22-year-old star ahead of the summit clash of the Qatar final. He also shared his experience of managing both the football pioneers at PSG.
Speaking to La Vanguardia, as quoted by Barca Universal, Pochettino said that it was a source of great pride for him to have coached Messi and Mbappe at PSG.
“It’s me and the coach who replaced me at PSG, Christophe Galtier. The truth is that it has been a satisfaction and a source of pride to have coached them,” Pochettino said about having managed both Messi and Mbappe.
Pochettino then said that Mbappe is someone who needs a lot of space to run into while Messi is the total player.
“The former has won seven Ballon d’Ors and the latter has the chance to win this recognition even though he is already a world champion. I think we are talking about the best, who is Leo Messi, and another who aspires to be the best, who is Mbappe,” Pochettino said.
“Mbappe is a player who needs a lot of space to run and Messi is the total player."
“The one who defines in the opponent’s area and the one who plays partnering and defending to generate play. They are two different players for whom anyone who loves soccer would pay a ticket to go see them,” he added.
Pochettino hailed Messi as a gladiator and admitted that he was impressed by the Argentine star's performance at this year's World Cup.
“We’ve already recognized his talent, and we’ve been recognizing it for more than 20 years, right? But well, I think that the leadership and emotional commitment that he is exercising in this World Cup is something that excites all those who love football.
“Now we see a Messi enjoying himself. A Messi who is a gladiator on the field but with an exquisite talent that makes him the best player in the world. Logically, as an Argentinean, you feel that you multiply all those emotions tenfold,” Pochettino concluded.
The final between Argentina and France promises to be mouth-watering. The two nations have won four World Cup titles between them. The South Americans, however, are in a 36-year drought. According to Opta, Mbappe has played more minutes in the last two editions with 1011 while Messi has played 930. Mbappe has 9 goals while Messi has six.
