Lionel Messi suspended by PSG for unauthorized Saudi trip

PSG has suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks after he traveled to Saudi Arabia without permission. Messi's contract with the club expires this summer

PSG has suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks after he traveled to Saudi Arabia without permission. Messi's contract with the club expires this summer.

Lionel Messi has been suspended for two weeks after he traveled to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission. 

The trip, which followed PSG's home defeat by Lorient, was reportedly for commercial work. 

However, the 35-year-old was refused permission to travel by the club, which has now fined him and suspended him from training and playing during the two-week period. 

Messi has a role as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, but his trip was not authorised by PSG. 

The suspension means he will miss crucial matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, which could impact PSG's chances of clinching their ninth league title in 11 seasons. 

Messi's contract with PSG expires this summer, and there has been speculation that he could return to his former club, Barcelona. 

PSG has been keen to extend Messi's contract, but his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia could complicate negotiations. 

The suspension is a blow for PSG, who have relied on Messi's goals and assists this season. 

He has scored 31 goals and contributed 34 assists in 71 games in all competitions for the club and helped them win the Ligue 1 title last season. 

Lionel Messi suspended two weeks by PSG for missing training to go to Saudi Arabia without permission! He won’t be paid, won’t train and won’t play! Right call by the club. @ESPNFC

— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) May 2, 2023

Below are pictures of Lionel Messi and his family in Saudi Arabia

📸 | Leo Messi with his family in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦🐐🤩 pic.twitter.com/QOrx8iRUis

— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) May 1, 2023