Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami star's impressive hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria in their FIFA World Cup campaign opener.
Messi equalled Miroslav Klose's WC tally of 16 World Cup goals and became the joint top goalscorer in the tournament's history with the former German player.
Argentina's captain was in sizzling form, scoring in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, with his second goal coming after the goalkeeper dropped Alexis MacAllister's long-range shot.
Pochettino, speaking to Cadena Cope, said, 'He's from a different planet. Any comparison or metaphor we use, any adjective we might use to describe him it's impossible; it wouldn't be fair.'
Pochettino also feels that the defending champions are the favourites to win the title, saying, 'I think they're the team to beat. They're the favourites. They're the contenders, and they proved it in the first match that is always difficult.'
