PSG coach Pochettino opens door to signing Barcelona star Messi: He almost joined Espanyol | OneFootball

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to signing Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.

Pochettino, speaking to El Larguero, was following up similar comments made by PSG sporting director Leonardo earlier this week.

He declared, "I do not know. I listened to him and I didn't have time to talk about the transfer window with Leonardo or the president. We are focused on the competition, the victory. Often my sentences can be misinterpreted. I have a lot of respect for my players and I am careful when I talk about players from other clubs.

"I can understand that the coaches are as jealous of their players as I am. I am sure that the management of sport is working for the future."

Pochettino continued: "I'm not commenting. At Espanyol or Southampton, I dreamed of having the best. Messi was close to joining Espanyol ... He was almost loaned out, but he had a great game at Gamper ... I saw him a few times in London and Italy. We share Newell's love, because we got out of there, and it brings us together."