The Manchester United midfielder considers the mercurial Argentine to be a "special" talent, with nobody in world football able to do what he does
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba admits to being a fan of “special” Lionel Messi, with the Barcelona superstar having “football inside him”.
The mercurial Argentina continues to set the standard for the rest of the footballing world, with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo the only rival who can claim to get near him.
Pogba, who himself is an £89 million performer, considers Messi to be a unique talent who is capable of doing what nobody else can.
The France international told TyC Sports: “The first time I was with him was in the Champions League final [between Juventus and Barcelona in 2015], he was very small.
“Messi and football are two things that go together. I enjoy watching at him, he does things that nobody does.
“He has a stature that nobody has, something special for him, everything is special. He's a player who has football inside him, who feels it, it's incredible.”
Pogba admits that he has tried to model parts of his own game on Messi, with the Argentine one of several global superstars he sought inspiration from.
“When I was little I looked at [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Messi. I had videos of [Diego] Maradona, Pele, Kaka, of many players,” said Pogba.
“I wanted to have all the virtues that those players had.
“Now, I look more at players like [Andres] Iniesta, Yaya Toure, also [Kevin] De Bruyne, who is young, [Luka] Modric, who is a very strong midfielder.”
Pogba has struggled to produce his best of late, with Jose Mourinho benching him at United.
The 25-year-old is, however, adamant that he is enjoying his football.
He added: “Happiness? For me the most important thing has always been health.
“I enjoy to win trophies and have a good time with my family. I lost my father recently, he was very important to me. Life is short, I want to live my life to the fullest.
“I know I talk like an older person and that I am just 25 years old but I have had friends that weren't as lucky as me.
“Football? I love football, it's my job. What else can I ask for?”
i_koda
96
We should not hate any of them... They'll be evergreen FOREVER
hailesol
69
not only pogba but also 99 % of players will choose Messi over other players as Messi is naturally gifted player! but ,this doesn't mean that they hate others .They learn a lot of things from others!
Eugene_Galotelia
61
we need more players like Pogba. Who thinks of other players and giving them respect when its due rather than bragging about himself. All the best in your footballing career. I hope one day you play alongside Messi.
ab12678
50
If you love football then you just can't stop loving Messi.. it's just simple as that..he just enjoys football and gives us joy to watch..and Pogba has so much to learn from Messi
Nowenpsu
19
This is indirectly having intention to join barca Hahaha we know Well you said messi fan Okay we hear
Why are you trying so hard to discredit, the harmless statement made by Paul Pogba, that Messi is the best. People like you, will have goose pimples mere sighting Messi from afar, kindly ask Conte of Chelsea, who ought to be angry and unhappy that very day, Messi took Chelsea to the cleaners, but you know what?? Conte couldn't resist the urge not to get close to Messi and sings his (Messi) praises during his (Conte) press conference. If blood is flowing in your veins, and love quality football, you will forever love Messi. Its called Messi bug.