Lionel Messi of PSG. file. , Photo Credit: AP
Paris Saint-Germain suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks after the World Cup champion made an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, French media reported on May 2.
The suspension means Messi will miss PSG’s next two games and comes at a delicate time as the French club are hoping to extend the Argentine star’s contract beyond this season.
Both L’Equipe and RMC Sport reported the suspension without citing sources.
The club did not immediately respond to a request The Associated Press for comment.
Messi’s visit followed PSG’s surprise 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, leaving the defending champions with a five-point lead over Marseille with five games left in the season. Messi played the whole game.
L’Equipe had reported that PSG coach Christophe Gaultier had promised his players two days off – Monday and Tuesday – if they beat Lorient. Instead, the team trained on Mondays and had Tuesdays off.
Messi has a promotional contract with Saudi Arabia.
The forward joined PSG from Barcelona two years ago and speculation has been rife as to where he will play next.