The huge compliment Barcelona's Lionel Messi gave to Portsmouth-born Mason Mount

World Cup-winner Ronaldinho famously spoke glowingly about the atmosphere at Pompey’s Fratton Park.
By Mark McMahon
Published 31st Mar 2020, 15:29 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2020, 17:56 BST
England international Mason Mount. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesEngland international Mason Mount. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
England international Mason Mount. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Now another footballing superstar has lavished praise on one of the city’s favourite sons.

Indeed, just like PO4 has made a lasting impression on former Brazil forward Ronaldinho following a Europa League visit to the south coast in 2008 with AC Milan, it appears Purbrook’s Mason Mount has caught the eye of six-times Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

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The former Fratton Park season-ticket is currently enjoying his breakthrough season at Chelsea, where’s he’s made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.

His Premier League impact was immediately recognised by England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed the lifelong Pompey fan his senior international debut against Bulgaria back in September.

Meanwhile, his meteoric rise, which includes five more Three Lions caps, was only halted by the coronavirus outbreak which has brought a halt to this season’s proceedings.

The virus, however, hasn’t stopped Barcelona ace Messi noticing Mount’s ability.

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The Argentina captain recently teamed up with Topps Cards – co-owned by Pompey chairman Michael Eisner’s Tornante company – to create an exclusive pack of football cards.

England and Chelsea footballer Mason Mount, who is a lifelong Pompey fan. Mason, right, with friend Will Sumner at Old Trafford supporting Pompey in the 2008 FA Cup.England and Chelsea footballer Mason Mount, who is a lifelong Pompey fan. Mason, right, with friend Will Sumner at Old Trafford supporting Pompey in the 2008 FA Cup.
England and Chelsea footballer Mason Mount, who is a lifelong Pompey fan. Mason, right, with friend Will Sumner at Old Trafford supporting Pompey in the 2008 FA Cup.

He’s been putting together a set on his greatest Champions League moments, along with cards focusing on ‘top talent’ and ‘youth on the rise’.

And it’s the latter category which features Mount and a comment from Messi.

Indeed, Messi is quoted as saying: ‘Having watched him (Mount) play he has the potential to be one of the best’.

Not a bad reference for the former Purbrook Park Junior School pupil from one of the world’s greatest-ever footballers.

Related topics:Lionel MessiGareth SouthgateFratton ParkPortsmouthPompeyBarcelonaChelsea

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