The main talking point following PSG’s Ligue 1 victory against Lyon on September 20 was Lionel Messi’s substitution in the 66th minute of the game. When the game was tied at 1-1, manager Mauricio Pochettino substituted Messi with Achraf Hakimi. Messi appeared perplexed when he returned to the bench, and he reportedly declined to shake the manager’s hand. PSG, on the other hand, went on to win the match in the 94th minute, thanks to a goal by Mauro Icardi. Lucas Paqueta had scored the game’s first goal in the 54th minute for Lyon. PSG’s Neymar, on the other hand, scored a penalty in the 66th minute.
Fans noticed Messi’s disappointment as he was substituted in the 66th minute and voiced their opinions on Pochettino’s decision. The manager was chastised by some fans, while others praised him for his choice, as the side went on to win the match after the substitution. Among the various replies, one fan conveyed his conundrum by stating that if Messi remains on the field, the team would tie the match, but if he is taken off, the team will win. He went on to say that he is looking for some logic in the circumstance and is attempting to comprehend it. Another commenter stated that players should obey managers because he won the game by making the move, which he deemed to be the correct decision.
Another user, however, praised Pochettino’s choice as “match-winning.” He said that Messi must have done it in the heat of the moment and later celebrated the triumph with the team, referring to Messi not shaking hands with the boss. A user rationalized the manager’s action by claiming that Messi was replaced so that Hakimi could play as a right-winger and Di Maria could play as an attacking midfielder. According to the Republic Word.
