Paris: Lionel Messi will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash against Metz midweek after he injured his left knee. The Argentine maestro underwent an MRI on Tuesday after taking the knock during PSG 2-1 win over Lyon last Sunday. The scan results “the signs of bone contusion,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday. The injury though could also rule him out of the big game against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League next Tuesday.
The 34 year-old on his first home appearance since arriving in Paris was replaced by full-back Achraf Hakimi, a full-back, after 76 minutes.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino also confirmed that it was the reason behind taking him off since the starman played a good game.
“On the touchline we are always observing the players, seeing what is happening during the match, and we saw that Leo was looking at his knee. We are pleased with the way he played. He played very well in the first half, and the only thing missing was a goal. He played for 76 minutes and with all the information we had we decided to take him off,” Pochettino said after the match
“Of course I understand the situation and I accept it as it is. Best thing for him. It is not a surprise for me, but the priority is always the well-being of the player and in this case we thought it was the best thing for him to take him off. All great champions always want to be on the pitch and that is understandable.” The manager further stated.
Mauro Icardi’s stoppage-time header secured victory for PSG against Lyon with the Parisians now sitting atop unbeaten after six games. Besides their big continental game next week, they will face Montpellier at home at the weekend also.
