Argentina won the World Cup in December, led by Lionel Messi. Image source: GETTY IMAGES
Following his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been suspended for two weeks by Paris St-Germain.
Lionel Messi traveled to Saudi Arabia following Paris St-Germain’s home loss to Lorient on Sunday, in which he played the entire 90 minutes.
The 35-year-old has been suspended by the club for two weeks as a result of his unlawful trip and will not be able to participate in any training sessions or matches during this time.
Messi’s plea for permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for commercial purposes was declined.
Messi alleges that he was granted permission to leave but that it was later canceled owing to a change in the club’s training program.
In addition to the two-week suspension, Messi has also been fined by Paris St-Germain. Despite this, he remains a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia.
Messi’s contract with PSG is set to expire this summer, after his two-year stint with the club.
Barcelona has expressed interest in re-signing the World Cup winner, with Vice President Rafael Yuste confirming in March that the club had been in contact with Messi about a possible return to the Nou Camp.
Since joining PSG, Messi has contributed 31 goals and 34 assists in 71 appearances across all competitions, helping the club secure the Ligue 1 title in the previous season.
With five matches left to play, PSG, who are five points clear at the top, will have to do without Messi for their upcoming fixtures against Troyes and Ajaccio as they aim to secure their ninth league title in 11 seasons.
‘Messi’s PSG career is practically ended,’ according to analysis
Lionel Messi has taken a decision that effectively ends his career with Paris Saint-Germain.
While PSG still has three games left after Messi’s suspension ends, the club has charted a new course without the Argentine superstar.
Only five months ago, Messi achieved the pinnacle of his illustrious career by winning the World Cup.
PSG sees Messi’s suspension as a normal course of action for an employee who is spotted working somewhere else on a day when he is supposed to be at the club.
PSG’s decision is considered as a statement about the club’s future direction, in addition to disciplining Messi for his unlawful travel to Saudi Arabia.
PSG has stated its intention to prioritize younger players and has implemented a zero-tolerance disciplinary policy.
The club’s fans are said to agree with this assessment and have lost interest in Messi. It appears doubtful that his contract will be renewed, and his PSG career will likely conclude after the final three matches.