French club Paris Saint-Germain suspended their star footballer Lionel Messi for two weeks for missing Monday’s training session to travel to Saudi Arabia.
According to ESPN, Messi will not be allowed to train or participate in matches with the first team and will not be paid during his suspension.
According to details, PSG manager Christophe Galtier told his players that they would be given two days off, Monday and Tuesday, if they win against Lorient on Sunday, but they were called in for training on Monday in case of a loss.
“Messi, 35, asked if he would be allowed to travel to the Arab gulf to honour his sponsorship deal as a Saudi ambassador, and Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos gave him the green light to go in the result of a win or draw, but not a defeat,” ESPN stated.
“However, following PSG's humbling 3-1 defeat to Lorient — their third loss in their past four league games — Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without asking again for permission, sources told ESPN, meaning he could not attend training on Monday.
“Sources told ESPN the situation created tensions within the dressing room, with some players unhappy with the incident.”
Messi and PSG are also negotiating over a contract extension since the World Cup winner’s current deal will expire at the end of the season.
Messi’s former club FC Barcelona, Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and Major League Soccer side Inter Miami are also interested in signing the star footballer.
Earlier, Barcelona manager and Lionel Messi's former teammate Xavi had stated that the doors are open for the Argentina star if wants to return to the Catalan club.
Messi's time with Barcelona, however, came to an emotional end in the summer of 2021 after the two parties were unable to reach a contract extension.
"Why not (about the possibility of Messi’s return)? I think it depends on him," Xavi said in an interaction with media.
"What he wants, what he feels. Of course, Barcelona is always Messi's home. Doors will be opened for Leo, especially if I'm the coach here. Let's see what he wants to do. The decision depends on Messi more than the club."