Paul Pogba has said that Lionel Messi has been the best player in the world for over a decade, adding that the Argentine is his idol.

Pogba and Messi came head-to-head in Saturday’s World Cup knockout game in Kazan, with the Manchester United man putting in a fine performance for France to knock out the five time Ballon d’Or winner.

While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Pogba, alongside his midfield partners Blaise Matuidi and N’Golo Kante, dominated their Argentine counterparts with their energy and dynamism.

With Messi now 31, this summer’s tournament in Russia possibly represents his last chance to shine on footballs greatest stage, but despite never getting his hands on that famous golden trophy, Paul Pogba doesn’t think that it detracts from all that he has achieved in his glittering career:

“It’s been more than 10 years since he became the best player in the world,” Pogba said.

“He’s unique, he’s a unique size, what he does with the ball in unique, he’s a pure left-footer. He’ll always be an idol.

“I lost the 2015 Champions League final with Juventus against him and I’m happy to have beaten him today.

“Players like that, they make you love football. I think he’s going to continue to be the best for many years and it’ll always be a pleasure to see him play.

“He must be sad. It could be his last World Cup, but he’ll remain in the heads of each football fan, each journalist, each person in the entire world forever.”