Pogba delighted with France win, but still says Messi’s ‘the best’

PAUL Pogba exacted revenge on Lionel Messi but still describes him as the ‘best.’

The United midfielder was instrumental in France’s 4-3 win against Argentina on Saturday to send them through to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Pogba was part of the Juventus team that was beaten by a Messi-inspired Barcelona in the Champions League final in 2015.

But despite ending the Argentine genius’ hopes of emulating Diego Maradona and winning the biggest trophy of all, Pogba remains adamant his rival still sets the benchmark.

“It’s been more than 10 years since he became the best player in the world,” he said. “He’s unique, he’s a unique size, what he does with the ball in unique, he’s a pure left-footer. He’ll always be an idol.

“I lost the 2015 Champions League final with Juventus against him and I’m happy to have beaten him.”

Pogba’s former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo may have something to say about his comments after winning the Ballon d’Or in four of the last five years.

But the French international made no secret of his enduring admiration for Messi.

“Players like that, they make you love football,” he added.

“I think he’s going to continue to be the best for many years and it’ll always be a pleasure to see him play.

“He must be sad. It could be his last World Cup, but he’ll remain in the heads of each football fan, each journalist, each person in the entire world forever.”

Meanwhile, Pogba also heaped praise on his compatriot Kylian Mbappe, who is tipped to take over from Messi and Ronaldo as the next superstar of world football.

“Kylian has much more talent than I have,” he said. “Do you see what he is doing at his age? No, I never had his talent.

“He has so much speed. Though he’s a forward, he can’t be compared with me.”