PSG ‘suspend Lionel Messi for two weeks’ after striker ‘skipped training to fly to Saudi Arabia without permission’
LIONEL MESSI has reportedly been slapped with a two-week suspension by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine superstar allegedly skipped training to fly to Saudi Arabia without permission.
Lionel Messi has been suspended by PSG for skipping training without permissionAFP
The forward works as an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.
He agreed a £25million deal to promote Saudi Arabia last May but had only visited once prior to this week.
Messi jetted out to the Gulf State and was pictured with his wife and children.
But he is said to have done so without getting approval from PSG manager Christophe Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos.
And RMC Sport report he has been handed the two-week ban with immediate effect due to a breach of contract.
It means Messi will miss the matches against Troyes this Sunday and Ajaccio on May 13.
The PSG squad was initially expected back in for training on Tuesday.
But the unexpected 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday meant the Ligue 1 leaders were hauled back in for an extra session on Monday – and given Tuesday off instead.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
However, Messi had already organised his trip to Riyadh after previously having to postpone two planned visits before the latest rescheduling.
Messi, 35, shared a snap of his trip to Saudi Arabia on Instagram alongside a caption that reads: “Who thought Saudi has so much green?
“I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”
Messi has scored 20 goals and assisted 19 in 37 matches this season.
But with his contract up at the end of the campaign, his future remains unclear.
An emotional return to Barcelona could be on the cards, if the finances of a deal can be worked out with the Nou Camp giants.
Although Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie reportedly rejected pay cuts to help Barca fund the transfer.
And that could see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner join David Beckham’s Inter Miami or even follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps to the Middle East.
