Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on what Lionel Messi said to him after being substituted and rejecting the PSG bigwig’s handshake
Lionel Messi’s PSG career has far from gotten off to the ideal start. Envisaged to run the ground running from his debut and wipe the floor with timid and meek Ligue 1 defenses, the Argentinian has failed to live upto the expectations accorded on his shoulders.
However, despite him yet to score or assist for the French club, Messi is a player capable of changing the course of the match within seconds. His sprawling expertise and ability to net were what saw PSG break the bank for him with the club shelling out colossal wages to indulge in the player’s services.
Lionel Messi Rejects Handshake From Mauricio Pochettino Upon Substitution In Viral Video
Unfortunately for Messi though, manager Mauricio Pochettino though otherwise in the club’s bygone showdown with Lyon in Ligue 1. Messi was taken off in the second half, a substitution with startled Messi with him seen livid with the decision.
The player had gone onto spurn a handshake from Pochettino as he walked back to the bench with Messi seen seething for some time afterwards. Its a decision which not only left Messi irate but also drew the furor of PSG supporters with them putting Pochettino to the sword over the move.
Messi didn’t shake hands with Pochettino pic.twitter.com/od8JkMfH0X
— Drizzy (@messiprimes) September 19, 2021
However, the PSG boss tried to douse the embers of an emerging feud between him and Messi with him attributing the substitution in a bid to safeguard Messi from an injury. He’s also gone onto claim that Messi had told him he had no problems with being taken off.
“I took the decision to take Leo off to protect him from possible injuries. We have important games coming up and we want to protect him.
“Afterwards, Messi told me he was fine with the decision,” Pochettino said over the move.