Paris Saint-Germain has suspended superstar Lionel Messi for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. The Parisian club has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the player, who is edging ever closer to leaving the club at the end of the season, given that his contract expires in June. L’Equipe newspaper has assured that the optional year present in his contract will not be executed. Messi will be sidelined for “several days” and will not receive his salary for the duration of the suspension. Although the exact duration has not been specified, some media outlets have reported that the suspension will last two weeks.
The Argentine striker took an express trip to Saudi Arabia after PSG’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient in Ligue 1 and missed Monday’s training session. Although the exact duration of the trip has not been disclosed, Messi is expected to miss the trip to Troyes on Sunday as well as the Ajaccio reception on May 13 if his absence is two weeks. The disciplinary proceedings come at a decisive moment for Messi’s future at PSG, as his contract with the Parisian club expires in June.
With this decision, PSG’s management has struck a blow on the table in the final part of a far from successful season for the club. Despite Messi’s discreet performances on the field and cold relations with the fans, FC Barcelona is dreaming of the return of its idol. Messi is also being courted by Saudi Arabia, where his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo is already playing. Messi has made 71 appearances and scored 31 goals for PSG since his arrival in the summer of 2021. No one can say for sure that he will score more at the Parisian club.