Argentine World cup winner and Forward Lionel Messi was handed with a 2-week suspension by his employers PSG for his recent visit to Saudi Arabia with his family for some Advertising purpose. It is being reported that Messi will miss all of French football for the next 14 days as the club management did not approve his trip to the Middle east.
Reports are suggesting that Messi had asked for PSG’s permission twice before actually visiting for a commercial trip for Saudi tourism. The reason why he could not visit Saudi before doing so on Sunday was because of PSG’s losses in Ligue 1.
View this post on Instagram
On Sunday April 30th, the Argentina captain posted a picture of an unknown place in Saudi Arabia with a caption which read – “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi”
View this post on Instagram
Apparently this Instagram post somehow got Messi in trouble. He might have toured Saudi for commitments but it has not landed well with PSG. After an entire day of meeting with Messi, PSG management decided to hand him a 2-match ban alongside a 2-week fine from his wages.
The tourism ambassador of Saudi Arabia despite having such a huge stature will be treated like every other player in order to keep things equal for every player in the team. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has cleared his stance that no one is bigger than the club itself.
I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality. 🇸🇦#WelcomeMessi pic.twitter.com/QQGdnAqQ08
— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
As a result, PSG will be without Messi for their upcoming trip to Troyes and also their home game against Auxerre in the following week. Meanwhile there is also plenty of talks going around in Europe about his contract with PSG which has entered its final stage and there is still no agreement between Messi and PSG for a possible extension.
FC Barcelona are firm in their pursuit of bringing back the 7-time Ballon D’or winner but nothing is at a concrete stage as of now.
