PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino: 'Lionel Messi is the best in the world'

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino has labelled Lionel Messi as the 'best player in the world' ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 showdown with Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

The 34-year-old, who picked up a record-breaking seventh Ballon d'Or earlier this season, endured a difficult start to life in the French capital, but he now seems to have settled in Pochettino's side, recording seven goals and 11 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.

While Messi's individual brilliance has been witnessed for several years at the highest level, the Argentine's performances this season have somewhat been overshadowed by the form of French star Kylian Mbappe, who has already notched up 24 goals and 17 assists in 34 appearances so far this term.

Speaking to the press ahead of PSG's clash with Real Madrid in Spain, Pochettino has heaped praise on both players but believes Messi is still the best.

"Messi is the best in the world with seven Ballon d'Or trophies, then we have great players who aspire to be the best," Pochettino told reporters on Tuesday.

"Kylian [Mbappe]'s form speaks for itself. He's among those players who are the best and who are shining brightest."

Both Messi and Mbappe are set to join Neymar in a formidable attacking front three for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, with PSG currently leading the tie 1-0 after Mbappe's sensational solo goal in the first leg.