Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he withdrew Lionel Messi at half-time of Friday's 2-1 win over Lille to protect him from injury.
Messi started in attack for PSG but endured arguably the worst 45 minutes of his entire career, fluffing two shots on goal and failing to complete a single dribble before being hooked for Mauro Icardi at the interval.
It was a change which inspired the comeback as late goals from Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria saw PSG pick up a nervy win.
As always, the decision to withdraw Messi was a controversial one from Pochettino, but the boss revealed after the game that it was more down to injury concerns than anything else.
“We have to wait. We spoke with the doctor. It’s a precaution," he told Amazon Prime (via Goal). "He couldn't go on, but it's not a big issue. He will be available for the next game."
