France’s Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré has effusively defended Lionel Messi as part of the punishment he received from Paris Saint-Germain and asked not to “touch him”.

“At the end of the day, it’s PSG’s, Christophe Galtier’s problem, it’s not my problem. Do you know what my problem is? I’m in love with the game and I’m in love with Messi. I love him and I will never criticize him,” said Kombouare.

“All the criticisms surrounding Messi are very harsh. What is happening is shameful. And the best thing that will happen is that he will leave. I am very happy that he is leaving. We don’t deserve that.”

Nantes, led by Kombouaré, are trying to avoid relegation in a draw with Racing Strasbourg, but the coach took a few minutes to defend the Argentinian amid criticism from fans and a fine he received for going to Saudi Arabia for marketing purposes one day.

Specifying that the management of Messi’s escape is not within his jurisdiction, Kombouaré first of all lashed out at the criticism of the Argentinian star’s play on the field.

“If I had Messi, I would tell him: ‘You stay forward, never run, never defend. However, if we give you balls, I want to see you play, have fun, shine.’ But that’s my opinion as a fan of the game,” DT concluded. (D)