Lionel Messi Snubs Pochettino Handshake After Being Subbed Off During PSG Clash
- Lionel Messi has endured a difficult start to life since his much-hyped transfer to PSG
- The Argentine is yet to open his goal account for the French giants in three appearances for the side
- He made his first Ligue 1 start for PSG against Lyon but failed to have any impact
- He was subsequently subbed off, with Mauro Icardi, who came off the bench scoring the winner for PSG
Lionel Messi was clearly not impressed on the evening of Sunday, September 19, after he was substituted during Paris Saint-Germain's 2-1 narrow win over Lyon.
Source: Getty Images
This was Messi's first Ligue 1 start for PSG since his stunning move to the club in the summer from Barcelona.
He was paired alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the attack for the second time, but the trio once again failed to impress.
With 15 minutes left on the clock and PSG chasing a winner, Pochettino cut short Messi's home debut by withdrawing him before introducing Mauro Icardi.
The tactical change went on to pay off as Icardi came off the bench to grab the winner as the tie ended 2-1 in favour of PSG.
However, Messi was evidently upset with Pochettino's decision to substitute him and even snubbed the manager's offer of a handshake as he gave him an angry face.
Despite the fanfare that surrounded his arrival in the French capital, Messi has struggled to settle down with things not going according to plan on the pitch.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner remains goalless in three of his appearances for PSG thus far and failed to help them secure victory over a stubborn Club Brugge side during the Champions League.
How PSG signed Messi
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino recently narrated how the French club were able to convince Lionel Messi to make the famous switch to the club.
Several top clubs in Europe jostled for the signature of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, but Messi finally signed for the Parisians after Barcelona allowed him to go.
The Argentine player spent 21 seasons with the Spanish outfit and the world was stunned when news filtered that Messi had agreed to join PSG.
Source: Sports Brief News