Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino says Lionel Messi is rubbishing the "myth" about his lack of leadership.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or has been one to be the most vocal for both club and country over the years, despite being the captain for the South American champions.
Pochettino, who coached Messi at PSG last season, claims the 35-year-old has a strong characther and only speaks out when he needs to.
Read: France star: We are not afraid of Messi
"It's not just the performances, which are what we expect. People think he is quiet, but sometimes what you perceive from the outside is wrong," Pochettino told the Athletic.
"He has a very strong character. He doesn't talk too much, but he talks when he needs to. Maybe we see him talking more now because of the cameras and the technology.
"We are seeing the real Messi. He was always like this. People like to talk in myths and we all know there are a lot of those in football. Right now, Messi is performing at his best in every single area, and when you have that on your side, only good things can happen."
Pochettino is also pleased that Messi is more of a leader for the national side.
"He knows exactly how he needs to behave, not only on the pitch but off it as well. And I think that leadership he is showing is why people finally believe this could be the time when the World Cup comes back to Argentina. You can see it in how he manages the game, how he talks with the referees, with Lionel Scaloni, even with the opponents," heaaded.
"After the quarter-final against the Netherlands, when Argentina won on penalties, I heard some people comparing Messi's leadership with the leadership that Maradona used to show. Messi is now the leader that Argentina need, and for me, that is a massive step for him."
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