Mauricio on Messi

What more is there to say about Lionel Messi?

Seen as one of the best players of all-time – many would say the best – we face the little genius for the first time when we take on Barcelona in the Champions League at Wembley on Wednesday night (8pm).

Messi is a player Mauricio Pochettino knows all about. Brought through the same youth system at Newell’s Old Boys back in Rosario, Argentina, both made their name in Barcelona, the city they will consider home. Mauricio spent 12 years in three spells as player and manager at Barca’s city rivals Espanyol (1994-2001, 2004-06, 2009-12), Messi has won everything at the Nou Camp.

Nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, five Ballon d’Ors, five Golden Boots, 560 goals for Barca since his debut back in 2004 – and so we go back to that first question...

“It’s difficult to praise him more,” said Mauricio on Tuesday. “You try to find the words that describe him. He’s one of the greatest players ever in football and for me, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy playing against him.

“It’s a game to enjoy, of course a game to try to win and to have the opportunity to play against Messi doesn’t happen often.”

It’s the first time we’ve met the Catalan giants in European action since an ill-tempered two-legged affair in the Cup Winners’ Cup back in April, 1982.

Indeed, it’s the first time Mauricio has prepared to face Barcelona competitively since May, 2012.

Mauricio will often state 'it’s about us' before matches - does that change before facing Barcelona? “It’s the same, it’s always about us,” he said.

“It’s if we are brave enough, good with the ball, we show energy and are all together…it’s up to us to have a good night and play well.

“But when you have in front of you a player like Messi, you have to understand that every single possibility you are going to give...he’s a completely different talent to another player.

"It’s about being focused and vigilant, like in all official games. You always need to respect your opponent.”