Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his decision to substitute attacker Lionel Messi in their 2-1 win over Lyon yesterday morning (Singapore time), insisting that his Argentinian compatriot was OK with being taken off in the Ligue 1 game.

Messi, making his third appearance for the side, hit the woodwork but failed to score on his Parc des Princes debut.