PSG have suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks following an unauthorised to Saudi Arabia by the Argentinian, which saw him miss training, according to a report from French outlet L’Équipe.
The 35-year-old was spotted in Riyadh on Monday, just hours after his side’s 3-1 home loss to Lorient, which continued their poor form and saw their lead at the top of Ligue 1 cut to five points with as many games left.
The Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb tweeted a photo of Messi (a tourism ambassador for the Middle Eastern country) and his family on Monday, which led to widespread criticism from PSG fans and eventually saw the club take action.
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 أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
Messi is in the final months of the two-year deal he signed with the French giants in 2021 and has been heavily linked with a move back to Barcelona.
This latest development will do little to dispel the belief that the World Cup winner’s time in Paris is drawing to a close. He will miss the club’s next two league games against Troyes and Ajaccio and can expect a frosty reception upon a potential return against Auxerre on May 21st.
I would love Messi to move to Saudi so that he can make some money and help his people back home in Agentina and develop some of their infrastructure.