Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks without pay for embarking on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia this week.
The 35-year-old most recently appeared for the Parisians in the 3-1 Ligue 1 loss to Lorient on Sunday, playing the entire 90 minutes at the Parc des Princes.
According to Sky Sports News, Messi, who is a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, requested permission to travel to the Middle Eastern country and attend commercial events, but PSG denied him.
However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was spotted in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Monday, with the country’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb posting images of the forward’s visit on social media.
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. 🇸🇦#WelcomeMessi pic.twitter.com/QQGdnAqQ08
— Ahmed Al Khateeb Ø£Øمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
The 2022 World Cup champion is believed to have returned to Paris on Tuesday and recently uploaded an image of palm trees on his Instagram account with the caption: “Who thought Saudi has so much green?” I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”
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Following several meetings with the French club’s hierarchy, PSG is said to have handed Messi a two-week suspension from all football activities, including team training, as well as a two-week wage fine.
Messi will therefore miss PSG’s next two Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, despite the fact that Christophe Galtier’s side leads the table by five points, though the forward could be available for an away clash against Auxerre on May 21.
Messi has spent the last two seasons at PSG, appearing in 71 games in all competitions, scoring 31 goals and registering 34 assists.
However, with the forward’s contract expiring at the end of the season, a possible return to Catalan giants Barcelona being mooted for several months.
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