Lionel Messi suspended for TWO weeks by Paris Saint-Germain after making unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia… with the Argentine’s relationship with the French club becoming increasingly fractured
- Forward Lionel Messi has been suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain
- Argentine Messi went on an unsanctioned trip to the country early this week
- The news comes after the club lost at home to mid-table club Lorient on Sunday
Lionel Messi has been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for two weeks after making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The World Cup winner had pre-arranged the visit for one of his commercial commitments as ambassador for tourism there.
PSG players were supposed to be off on Monday, however, following their 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, manager Christophe Galtier called the squad in for training instead.
Messi though was already in transit to Saudi Arabia and unable to turn back.
When PSG players were photographed at their Camp des Loges training ground on Monday, Messi was a notable absentee.
Lionel Messi has reportedly been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia
Reports claimed that neither PSG coach Christophe Galtier (left) or sporting director Luis Campos (right) approved the trip
Saudi minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb welcomed Messi for his trip by posting on Twitter
The trip was not sanctioned by Galtier, nor by sporting advisor Luís Campos, so the club have opened disciplinary proceedings.
As a result, the Argentina captain will miss the next two PSG games, at Troyes this Sunday, and against Ajaccio on Saturday May 13.
Messi has been offered a new contract by PSG on the same financial terms.
But he has still to be convinced by their sporting project so has yet to commit.
Barcelona want him to return, while there is interest from the Middle East and MLS clubs. However, he has still to open concrete negotiations with any other club.
Messi also shared a photo from his stay, claiming he was in awe at the kingdom’s landscapes
Messi played the full 90 minutes of PSG’s dismal 3-1 defeat to Lorient at the Parc des Princes