Messi suspended by PSG for unauthorized trip to S Arabia

Agency :
Paris St Germain (PSG) forward Lionel Messi has been suspended by the Ligue 1 club for two weeks over an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L’Equipe reported on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old was supposed to practice with his team following a 3-1 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday but instead flew to Saudi Arabia, L’Equipe added.

The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension.

L’Equipe reported that PSG coach Christophe Galtier had initially planned two days off – Monday and Tuesday – for his players if they beat Lorient. Otherwise, the team would train on Monday and have Tuesday off.

However, Messi made the decision to go to Saudi Arabia to attend a commercial activity as a tourism ambassador without getting the green light from the club.
Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following the trip, the report showed.