Lionel Messi suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain for making unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia
Superstar footballer, Lionel Messi has reportedly been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for two weeks for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia on Monday May 1.
The Argentina World Cup winner had pre-arranged the visit for one of his commercial commitments as an ambassador for tourism there.
PSG players were supposed to be off on Monday, but following their 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, manager Christophe Galtier called the squad in for training instead.
Messi 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.
The 35-year-old was pictured in Riyadh on Monday, with French outlet L’Equipe reporting he has been docked two weeks wages and will not train with the team during that time.
The level of response from the club, who are declining to comment publicly, is proof of a new policy at PSG, driven by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, whereby no one is bigger than the club – and the same rules will apply to everyone.
Messi will now miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, but could return for the match against Auxerre on May 21.
The World Cup winner is in the final months of a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 leaders, and last month Sky Sports News reported he wanted to witness their sporting plans for next season before committing to a new contract.