Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Lionel Messi created a buzz after travelling to Saudi Arabia for a promotional event and missing training last week, leading to his suspension by the club. He expressed regret in an Instagram story, stating that he believed he was given a day off after the match against Lorient, and that the trip was previously planned and had been cancelled once before. PSG suspended Messi for two weeks without pay, causing tensions within the club, fuelled by rumours of Messi’s impending departure after his contract expires over the summer. The Argentine star is said to be considering an offer of $400m per year to play for Saudi club Al-Hilal.
Messi had reportedly gained special permission from PSG coach Christophe Galtier to miss practice if the team won or drew against Lorient on the previous Sunday, but PSG lost the game 3-1. His unplanned absence has affected his contractual obligations to PSG and the scheduling of Ligue 1 games. PSG has a five-point lead over second-placed Marseille, and Messi will miss two games if he is banned for two weeks, but the club and Messi have agreed to wait until the suspension is over to discuss how he will finish the season.
Messi, who has scored 15 goals in Ligue 1 this season, expressed his regret and apologised to his teammates to resolve the controversy. The Qatari-backed club invested in Messi and other high-profile players to win a coveted Champions League title, but PSG was eliminated in the round of 16 in consecutive seasons. This has caused uncertainty over Messi’s future with the club, with reports emerging that he will not renew his contract and may return to FC Barcelona.
This controversy may have an impact on PSG’s morale as they approach the latter stages of the Ligue 1 season, especially if Messi’s professionalism is questioned by his teammates. However, it also shows PSG’s willingness to sanction high-profile players and enforce discipline, regardless of their status. With Messi’s future at PSG uncertain, it remains to see how this transfer saga unfolds.
