Pochettino justifies the decision to sub-Messi off vs Lyon after PSG win

"I took the decision to take Leo Messi off to protect him from possible injuries. We have important games coming up and we want to protect him," Mauricio Pochettino explained after the Lyon game.

"I think everyone knows that we have many great players, with a 35-man squad. We have to make choices, within the matchday squad and then during the game, keeping in mind what’s best for the team and every player.

"Sometimes the decisions are positive, or not, but that’s what managers are there to do on the sidelines, to make decisions. It can please people or not. I asked him how he was and he said he was fine, no issues."

It appears that Messi was suffering some kind of discomfort during the game but told Pochettino that he was fine to continue. However, the coach went for the sub anyway, and that's why Leo was confused by it.

At the time of the sub, the score was 1-1. PSG eventually won the game 2-1 thanks to a last-minute goal from Mauro Icardi.