Lionel Messi suspended by Paris Saint-Germain over Saudi Arabia trip
Lionel Messi has been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain (Picture: Getty)
Paris Saint-Germain have suspended Lionel Messi for two-weeks, according to reports.
The Argentina World Cup winners’ future with the Ligue 1 giants was already the subject of intense speculation, before he embarked on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia on Monday.
According to RMC, the 35-year-old who is out of contract at the end of the season, has now been suspended for a fortnight after he defied the instructions of the team’s head coach Christophe Galtier.
Messi played 90 minutes last weekend as the French champions crashed to an embarrassing 3-1 defeat against Lorient.
As a result, Galtier requested that his players switch their days off and attend a training session on Monday.
Messi, however, ignored that instruction and instead flew to Riyadh where was due to fulfil contractual obligations as part of his role with the Saudi tourist office.
Saudi minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb confirmed Messi was in the kingdom for his trip as he tweeted on Monday: ‘I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences. We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.’
Messi also posted a photo on his Instagram from his stay with the caption: ‘Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.’
L’Equipe claim Messi did seek permission for the trip from the club’s Qatari owners, but went over the heads of both Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos in doing so.
Campos, in particular, is said to have been annoyed at the arrangement of a friendly earlier this year between PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
PSG currently enjoy a five point lead over Marseille at the top of the table with five games of their campaign remaining.
Should the club stick to their guns, Messi would not be available again until the fixture against Auxerre on May 21.