Messi suspended by PSG for two weeks over Saudi Arabia trip

Paris St-Germain has suspended football legend Lionel Messi for two weeks and fined him after he travelled to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission. 

Messi had requested permission to make the journey to carry out commercial work but was refused. He will not train or play for PSG during his suspension. The 35-year-old has a role as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia. He is set to miss matches against Troyes and Ajaccio as PSG, who are five points clear with five games to go, look to clinch a ninth league title in 11 seasons. 

Messi’s two-year contract with PSG expires this summer, and he may not return to the club. PSG sees Messi’s suspension as a statement about the future direction of the club, which they are adamant will be around younger players and discipline.