Lionel Messi suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain for making unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia
Superstar footballer, Lionel Messi has reportedly been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for two weeks for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia on Monday May 1.
The Argentina World Cup winner had pre-arranged the visit for one of his commercial commitments as an ambassador for tourism there.
PSG players were supposed to be off on Monday, but following their 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, manager Christophe Galtier called the squad in for training instead.
Messi was already in transit to Saudi Arabia and unable to turn back.
When PSG players were photographed at their Camp des Loges training ground on Monday, Messi was a notable absentee.
The 35-year-old was pictured in Riyadh on Monday, with French outlet L’Equipe reporting he has been docked two weeks wages and will not train with the team during that time.
The trip was not sanctioned by Galtier, nor by sporting advisor Luís Campos, so the club have opened disciplinary proceedings.
As a result, the Argentina captain will miss the next two PSG games, at Troyes this Sunday, and against Ajaccio on Saturday, May 13.
Messi has been offered a new contract by PSG on the same financial terms. But he is yet to commit his future to the French club with Barcelona pushing for his return to Spain.
