Mauricio Pochettino reacts to Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or title

The head coach of Chelsea Football Club, Mauricio Pochettino has shared his opinion on Lionel Messi's triumph at the 2023 Ballon d'Or award ceremony.

The Argentine was asked his opinion on his countryman winning the award for a record eighth time. The duo were both at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2021/22 football season

He said this is a major achievement for Lionel Messi and Argentina and he believe that he deserves the award.

"It is an incredible achievement. He deserved it. I think he's the best and it's very important for him and Argentina. As his former coach and someone of the same nationality, I congratulate him."

Pochettino also spoke about his team news ahead of the Carabao Cup game against Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. According to him, Reece James will start the game after coming off the bench in the league against Arsenal and Brentford.

"He is going to start. The captain is ready."

Chelsea supporters will hope they can get past Blackburn as they look to book a spot in the quarter-final of the competition after the disappointing results against Arsenal and Brentford.