Lionel Messi has been at the centre of a storm in France after appearing unhappy when he was taken off during Paris Saint-Germain's win over Lyon on Sunday, as he left the pitch with the scores locked at 1-1.
A brief exchange with coach Mauricio Pochettino on the sidelines took over social media, with the Copa America winner looking to be annoyed with the decision.
Now, Pep Guardiola's words to Alejandro Sabella in 2012 could be applied to Pochettino. Asked then about Messi's fortunes under Sabella with Argentina, the Catalan had some words of wisdom.
"You have to say very little to Leo," Guardiola said.
"Protect him on the pitch with players who make his job easier for him.
"Listen well to what he says and don't forget that he should never be taken off the pitch. Not even at the end to be applauded."
It has since emerged that Messi was withdrawn due to a knee problem.
Bobacpty
1198
The man who knows his player, Messi should’ve gone to city he made a big mistake
Fastmf
901
I won’t criticize messi’s poor start, I don’t trust him.
Botdkmnz
632
com on its just 2 game ... he'll score sooner or later who' knows maybe he'll score hat-trick next match😅
Fizablmstz
514
motherfucker pochitino your days will finished soon 😡
Playboy-x
455
Pep Guardiola said it all « Protect him on the pitch with players who make his job easier »… because he knows very well that without those players Messi isn’t Messi…. 🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️. Secondly.. « Listen well to what he says » Pep should know that Messi is not in Barcelona where food is served for him in a golden spoon… Messi has to try to adapt to PSG style of play,not PSG adapting to his style of play. Am not criticizing.. it’s just something people will hardly accept but it’s damn true.. Am still waiting for his productivity…i believe he can make it.
DarkKing2010
385
If a player is playing crap the coach has the right to substitute him off even if that player is the greatest player of all time himself. No one gives a sh!t if it's Messi or Ronaldo. Player doing bad then substitute Period...
Kemadioy
322
Sure, protect the "son" who wanna be goat lol . Grow up and be a man for a change. Sir Alex Ferguson was right about you, " you're just a Barcelona player"
Leodaai
31
no one needs ur trust! btw welcome back after hiding in the cave for so many years! 😅
bruh, he appreciated Messi in a sarcastic way. don't be cocky
EloloAma
19
I won’t criticize messi’s poor start, I don’t trust him.
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Some people don’t understand simple sentence. It’s a pity
Dweez
14
no one needs ur trust! btw welcome back after hiding in the cave for so many years! 😅
dude just embarrassed himself [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]...
Vuhclpstuy
13
I won’t criticize messi’s poor start, I don’t trust him.
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He was tryna appreciate him🤣
reddevilsftw
13
motherfucker pochitino your days will finished soon 😡
Subbed off Messi and icardi scored winner
Andy_Mac
12
motherfucker pochitino your days will finished soon 😡
And you wonder why PSG can't win the UCL. You don't value your managers. We took one of your former managers and won the UCL 🏆
Vipadltyz
12
motherfucker pochitino your days will finished soon 😡
Cry mfs cry
masaceimn
10
The man who knows his player, Messi should’ve gone to city he made a big mistake
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,klop never created Robert
kazaelt
9
com on its just 2 game ... he'll score sooner or later who' knows maybe he'll score hat-trick next match😅
Good this is where the problem is!!!? CR7 has suffered this all along his career and always proven all of them wrong. Meanwhile messi is always celebrating even for nothing 😂😂😂😂🤣 his fans are always there to fan him when is not working and they go ahead to ridicule CR7 so he feel better 😂😂😂🤣 Fans issues
Nohcekmnpr
9
com on its just 2 game ... he'll score sooner or later who' knows maybe he'll score hat-trick next match😅
I wish you would say the same if it was cr7
_RealMadridonly_
8
Sure, protect the "son" who wanna be goat lol . Grow up and be a man for a change. Sir Alex Ferguson was right about you, " you're just a Barcelona player"
This Barca team destroyed your club THRICE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
sacho7
8
motherfucker pochitino your days will finished soon 😡
you are not PSG fan u are Barca fan who is trying to escape from 8_2 but the truth is poch took the right option coz messi was in the field for 75 minutes and didn't delivered so had to be Subed for better results and it worked