Pochettino Reveals Messi Exchange After Sub
21 September, 2021
In what looked like a heated exchange, Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino has revealed what he and a seemingly surprised Lionel Messi said to one another as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner was substituted on the weekend.
Click through the gallery above to see some images of the tense exchange.
The Parc des Princes appeared to come to a standstill on Sunday night when the 34-year-old was taken off after 76 minutes in PSG's 2-1 Ligue 1 win over Olympique Lyon.
As the former Barcelona talisman made his way off the field for Achraf Hakimi with the score still level at 1-1, Messi appeared bemused by Pochettino's decision and seemed to reject the chance to shake the tactician's hand before turning to shrug his shoulders.
With the substitution being a major talking point of the game, Pochettino revealed after the match what their short exchange was about.
"I asked him how he was, he said he was OK," he said, according to Metro.
"That was it. That was our exchange. No issues."
Reports have since suggested that Messi was carrying a knock, but did not want to come off. Pochettino, however, seemingly decided it would be best to not risk his fitness with important fixtures ahead.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss also defended his call, saying that managers are required to make decisions from the sidelines.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za
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