PSG Confirms Messi Knee Injury After Star Was Substituted Off vs. Lyon

Despite struggling with a knee issue, Lionel Messi was visibly upset toward PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino for subbing him off vs Lyon on Sunday.

PSG star Lionel Messi is being treated for a knock to his knee that he sustained in the club's 2-1 win over Lyon on Sunday, according to L’Équipe, something that PSG confirmed on Tuesday. 

Messi was visibly unhappy with PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino for subbing him off in the 76th minute, snubbing his handshake as he walked off the field. After rubbing his knee and working out his leg on the field, Messi signaled to the bench that he was fine to continue, but Pochettino opted not to take the risk given PSG's busy schedule. 

"Everyone knows we have great players in the squad, but we have 35 players," Pochettino said in a post-match press conference. "But we must make decisions for the good of the team. 

"Sometimes the players agree and sometimes they don't. We spoke about it and I asked him how he was, and he said he was fine."

😤 Messi didn’t look very happy with Pochettino’s decision. 😳💥#PSGOLpic.twitter.com/X51HBFLfsr

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 19, 2021

Messi reportedly spent Monday's training session receiving treatment, and PSG announced that he'll miss Wednesday's trip to Metz that is part of a busy stretch of matches. PSG also has a weekend match against Montpellier, before next Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Manchester City at the Parc des Princes.

"Lionel Messi, who took a knock to his left knee against Lyon, underwent an MRI on Tuesday morning which confirmed signs of bruising of the bone. A follow-up examination will be carried out in 48 hours," PSG said.

Messi is still seeking his first goal since joining PSG on a free transfer from Barcelona this summer. Messi came closest in the 37th minute when his free kick from 30 yards out swerved across goal and hit the crossbar, much to the dismay of PSG fans watching the Argentine star make his home debut.