PSG Suspends Lionel Messi for Unauthorised Trip to Saudi Arabia

French sports newspaper L’Equipe has reported on Tuesday that Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national football team, has been suspended by Paris St-Germain (PSG) for a period of two weeks. This comes after the football star traveled to Saudi Arabia without seeking prior permission from the club management.

According to sources, Lionel Messi, who is a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, had sought permission from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to travel to the kingdom for commercial purposes.

However, his request was turned down by the club. As a result of his unauthorized travel, the footballer has been suspended by PSG for two weeks. During this period, he will not be allowed to take part in team activities or training, and his pay will be reduced. Messi's absence means he will miss the Ligue 1 games against Troyes and Ajaccio but could be back for the match against Auxerre on May 21.

After playing the full 90 minutes in the French club's home defeat by Lorient on Sunday, Messi went to Saudi Arabia. He had an optional third-season clause in his contract with Paris Saint-Germain that club officials chose not to activate, as per reports.