Paris (Archyde.com)
Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier has played down concerns regarding a possible injury to Lionel Messi, saying the Argentine striker requested to be substituted due to fatigue late in the 1-1 draw with Benfica in the Champions League.
Messi, who put PSG ahead in the 22nd minute before Benfica equalized through an own goal by Danilo Pereira, was replaced by Pablo Sarabia in the 81st.
“He pointed and said he wanted change,” Galtier told French broadcaster RMC Sport. After running so fast he felt tired. He came out because he was tired and he brought in a new teammate who was much better at that moment in the match.”
Galtier also criticized the VAR for allowing Enzo Fernandes to escape a red card for a rough tackle once morest Marco Verratti that might have caused the PSG midfielder to fracture his leg.
Fernandez got a yellow card in the 45th minute for a strong intervention.
“I think the referee was not helped by his assistants when it came to VAR,” Galtier told reporters. I think Marco Verratti might have broken his leg one minute before the end of the first half, the referee is focused on the match. This happens in front of him and it is difficult to judge him. He might make a mistake, but there is a video assistant who has to tell him regarding a strong footed tackle on Verratti’s leg.”
