Mauricio Pochettino gives verdict on Messi's Ballon d'Or win

The PSG boss believes the Argentine icon deserved to win the award despite the widespread criticism.

Lionel Messi secured the seventh Ballon d’Or of his career on Monday. The Argentine star defeated Robert Lewandowski in a tight race, extending his stunning record for most Ballon d’Or wins.

However, several footballing figures criticized France Football for the pick, claiming Lewandowski deserved it more due to his better stats.

In a pre-match interview ahead of his side’s match against Nice, Mauricio Pochettino reacted to Messi’s Ballon d’Or win.

“Firstly, I want to publicly congratulate Leo and his family,” Pochettino said (via Metro).

“Winning the Ballon d’Or for a seventh time is an extraordinary achievement.

“I hope he takes advantage of it and that it’s the first day to work on getting the eighth.

“To have players with six and seven Ballon d’Or awards is something extraordinary and we are delighted to have him here every day.

“We hope at the end of the year to also have collective trophies beyond the individual trophies.”

Lothar Matthaus: “I don't understand why Lewandowski didn't win. He is unrivalled over the past two years. But even if you only take into account 2021, he has been better than the rest." #BallandOr
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) November 30, 2021

Pochettino added: added: “Messi completely deserved it and there is no debate.

“Of course, in other countries there may be criticism, but he completely deserved it.”

Lewandowski won a treble with Bayern Munich in 2020, but France Football cancelled the Ballon d’Or due to the pandemic. The Polish striker continued his incredible performances last season, breaking Gerd Muller’s record for most Bundesliga goals in a season.

However, Messi’s performances was more convincing to voters as he ended Argentina’s 28-year major trophy drought. The PSG star also won the Coppa del Rey with Barcelona.