Paris Saint-Germain have suspended superstar Lionel Messi for two weeks for travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission.
Messi travelled to Saudi Arabia for commercial reasons after his side’s 3-1 home defeat to Lorient on Sunday.
It is understood he did ask for permission for the trip but it was refused by the club’s bosses.
Messi is a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia and is stuck in contract talks with his club, with his current deal expiring by the end of June.
He has also been linked with a return to FC Barcelona but it will reportedly be tricky for the club to mount up the financials to make it happen.
According to RMC Sport and L’Equipe, Messi will not be allowed to train or plan for PSG in the next two weeks, meaning he’ll miss the games against Troyes on Sunday and the against Ajaccio on Saturday, 13 May.
PSG had initially no training scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, but after their shock home defeat to Lorient, Monday’s off day was cancelled.
Messi’s unauthorised absence was a notable talking point in the dressing room, with the rest of the squad order to train.
Neither coach Christophe Galtier, not Sporting Advisor Luis Campos sanctioned the trip. PSG are yet to make an official statement on Messi’s suspension.
Messi has scored 20 goals and set up another 19 in 37 appearances for the French giants this season.
