PSG star Lionel Messi was handed the opportunity to put his side ahead in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday against Real Madrid. Unfortunately, the striker was denied from the spot by Thibaut Courtois, but Kylian Mbappe eventually saved the day with a late winner in injury time.

It's extremely rare for Messi to miss a penalty kick therefore it did bring some criticism his way. But, PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino clarified on Friday that it doesn't have any impact on the type of player Messi really is.

Via Sky Sports:

“(Lionel) Messi is the best player in the world and missing a penalty will not affect his confidence,” Pochettino said.

“Lionel is someone who defines football, if you want to explain football to someone, just explain who is Messi.

“I would add that Messi is football.”

There's no doubt the PSG frontman is an iconic figure in football, but it's hard to say he's the best player in the world currently. The Argentine has struggled to fit in with the Ligue 1 giants, scoring just twice in league play. But, he has laid on seven assists and also netted five times in Europe's most prized competition.

PSG now takes an important 1-0 lead on aggregate into their second leg against Real Madrid next month at the Bernabeu. Needless to say, Lionel Messi will certainly be ready to convert if he's given the opportunity to score from the spot again.