)
First reported by French newspaper L'Equipe, PSG manager Christophe Galtier told his players that they would have two days off, Monday and Tuesday if they beat Lorient on Sunday, but a defeat would result in the players being called in for training on Monday.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has suspended star player Lionel Messi for two weeks without pay after he traveled to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission.
The unapproved absence occurred following PSG's home defeat to Lorient on Sunday, in which Messi played the full 90 minutes.
First reported by French newspaper L'Equipe, PSG manager Christophe Galtier told his players that they would have two days off, Monday and Tuesday, if they beat Lorient on Sunday, but a defeat would result in the players being called in for training on Monday.
According to reports, the 35-year-old Argentine asked permission to carry out commercial work in Saudi Arabia, but his request was denied.
Despite this, Messi traveled to Riyadh on Monday, where he was pictured with Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb. Messi is a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, and Al-Khateeb tweeted a welcome message to him.
)
18:13 - 30.04.2023
Messi and Mbappe unable to prevent PSG from falling to home defeat against Lorient
Lorient threw away their underdog tag to stun the 10 men of Paris Saint-Germain on their way to a 3-1 victory at the Parc des Princes.
"I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences," Al-Khateeb tweeted.
"We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality."
Messi's role as a tourism ambassador to Saudi Arabia may have contributed to his decision to visit the country.
Last month, he was also offered a one-year deal worth a reported £400m to play for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, though there is no indication whether their offer had any connection with his trip.
As a result of his actions, PSG has suspended Messi for two weeks without pay and fined him. During this time, he will not be allowed to train or play with the team.
The suspension means he will miss PSG's upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, but he could return for the match against Auxerre on May 21.
PSG, who are currently five points clear with five games to go, are looking to clinch a ninth league title in 11 seasons.
Messi is in the final months of a two-year deal with the French club, and last month, Sky Sports News reported that he wanted to witness their sporting plans for next season before committing to a new contract.
)
17:01 - 02.05.2023
Revealed: Lionel Messi's Top 10 Most Expensive Cars in his $598 million garage
Check out some of the most expensive cars owned by Lionel Messi including one that cost him over a staggering $34 million USD.
In March, Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste claimed that the Spanish club was in contact with Messi about a return to the Nou Camp.
Although PSG has not commented on the suspension, sources suggest it is a statement about the future direction of the club, which will focus on younger players.
PSG's fans have been divided over Messi's performance, and many have called for the club to focus on younger players.
"PSG do not view their actions as being anything extraordinary. In their minds, they are effectively punishing an employee who has gone somewhere else on a workday miles away from where he is supposed to be," said ESPN FC's Julien Laurens.
"But they also feel it is a statement about the future direction of the club, which they are adamant will be around younger players. It is also confirmation of their zero-tolerance approach to discipline."
The club's vice president, Javier Tebas, commented on the matter, saying "This is a decision made by the club, and we fully support it. We have to remember that no one is above the team, and everyone has to abide by the rules."
Messi has scored 31 goals and contributed 34 assists in 71 games in all competitions for PSG, helping the team win the Ligue 1 title last season.
Related content
)
19:00 - 02.05.2023
PSG considering punishment for Messi after unauthorised absence
Paris Saint-Germain discuss possible punishment for Messi after unauthorised travel.
)
17:21 - 02.05.2023
Report: Messi ditches training for Saudi trip
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly made an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
)
12:53 - 30.04.2023
Lionel Messi sparks rumour about a move to Saudi Arabia in latest Instagram post
Lionel Messi is expected to depart PSG in the summer and has been linked with both Inter Miami and his old team Barcelona.
)
15:55 - 28.04.2023
Lionel Messi waiting for Barcelona offer, ready to accept lower salary
According to latest reports, Lionel Messi is waiting for a contract offer from Barcelona as he prepares to leave PSG this summer.
)
23:26 - 27.04.2023
La Liga president Javier Tebas says Messi signing for Barcelona is complicated
Barcelona are doing everything in their power to sign Lionel Messi in the summer with the Argentine set to leave PSG after his contract expires.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)