Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Galtier has revealed why he took Lionel Messi off during his side's 1-1 draw with Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, despite the Argentine once explaining he does not like being substituted.
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The 35-year-old scored a stunning goal in the French giants' away draw with the Portuguese giants, a strike that has seen him become the first player in the competition's history to find the back of the net against 40 different teams.
His goal aside, Messi also looked a constant threat as he created chances for his teammates before eventually being replaced by Spain international Pablo Sarabia in the 81st minute.
Speaking after the game, Galtier, who is yet to record a loss since being appointed PSG boss, said it was Messi's decision to be taken off after he told the coach and his staff he was feeling tired.
"He signalled that he wanted to come off," he told RMC Sport.
"On the final sprint, he felt tired. He came off as he was tired and a fresher teammate was a far more interesting option at that moment."
Messi has now struck on eight occasions since the beginning of the season, while he has assisted a further eight strikes in all competitions.
Amid his return to form at club level, reports suggest that Barcelona are seriously interested in bringing the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Spain at the end of the season.
The forward has less than a year remaining on his current contract in Paris, and reportedly has no intention to extend his deal with the French club.
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