Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has imposed a two-week suspension and a fine on Lionel Messi for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
The ban prevents the Argentine football star from attending training sessions or playing in PSG’s upcoming matches against Troyes and Ajaccio.
Reports suggest that Messi requested permission to travel for professional purposes, but his request was denied. He proceeded with the journey to the Middle Eastern country regardless, prompting PSG to take disciplinary action.
Messi’s two-year contract with PSG expires this summer, and the suspension casts uncertainty over his future with the club. The move suggests that PSG is focusing on nurturing younger talent and maintaining a strict disciplinary policy, making it unlikely for Messi’s contract to be extended.
The suspension follows Messi playing the full 90 minutes in PSG’s recent home defeat against Lorient. Currently, PSG leads Ligue 1 by five points with five games left, aiming for their ninth league title in 11 years. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Barcelona is working to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona is in talks with LaLiga to negotiate more flexible Financial Fair Play terms. The club plans to make a contract offer to Messi this summer, hoping to bring him back to Barcelona for what may be his last European football season. However, the team must sell players to accommodate Messi’s return, as they have reached their spending limit.
Messi has allegedly been offered a one-year £400 million contract to play for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. However, it remains unclear if this proposal is related to his recent trip to Saudi Arabia. Messi currently serves as a tourism ambassador for the Middle Eastern nation.
