Lionel Messi, the iconic footballer who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been handed a two-week suspension and fined by the club after embarking on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old forward failed to report to PSG training following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient, as he was in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
PSG promptly imposed the sanction, which takes immediate effect and prohibits Lionel Messi from accessing the club’s facilities during the two-week period. As a result, he is expected to miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio.
Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia was part of a lucrative endorsement deal he has with the country, which aims to host the 2030 World Cup and has enlisted Messi’s support to promote tourism.
However, PSG expressed their discontent with the player’s decision to prioritize his work with Saudi Arabia over his commitments to the club. Determined to uphold discipline within the squad, PSG chose to make an example of Messi, irrespective of his stature in the sport.
While Messi has not made any public statements regarding the situation, his representatives have been contacted for further information.
In the meantime, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, took to Twitter to express his happiness in welcoming Lionel Messi and his family to the country, encouraging visitors worldwide to experience Saudi Arabia’s unique tourist destinations and hospitality.The incident has raised questions about Messi’s future at PSG beyond the 2022-23 season.
Having joined the club from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 on a two-year contract worth €30 million per year, there is an option for a third year at the same rate if both parties agree to trigger the extension.
However, it remains uncertain whether this option will be exercised, as PSG aims to rebuild their team around French talent, particularly Kylian Mbappe, potentially leaving Messi surplus to requirements.