Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks without pay after the forward took an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia this week.
The 35-year-old most recently represented the Parisian giants in the 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, playing the full 90 minutes at the Parc des Princes.
According to Sky Sports News, Messi, who is a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, asked for permission to travel to the Middle Eastern country and attend commercial events, but was denied by PSG.
However, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winners was pictured in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Monday, with the country's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb posting images of the forward's visit on social media.
"I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences," a tweet from Al-Khateeb read. "We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality."
I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
— Ahmed Al Khateeb Ø£Øمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality. 🇸🇦#WelcomeMessi pic.twitter.com/QQGdnAqQ08
The 2022 World Cup winner is understood to have returned to Paris on Tuesday and recently posted an image of palm trees on his Instagram account with the caption: "Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi."
In response to Messi's unauthorised trip, PSG are said to have handed the Argentine a two-week suspension from all football activities including team training, and he has also been fined two weeks' wages following several meetings with the French club's hierarchy.
PSG are yet to officially confirm any punishment for their No.30, although French news outlet Agence France-Presse, via journalist Fabrizio Romano, have revealed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions will "discipline football star Lionel Messi over his trip to Saudi Arabia".
Messi is therefore scheduled to miss PSG's next two Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, with Christophe Galtier's side sitting five points clear at the top of the table, but the forward could be in a position to return for an away clash against Auxerre on May 21.
© Reuters
Messi has spent the last two seasons at the Parc des Princes and has made a total of 71 appearances for PSG across all competitions, scoring 31 goals and registering 34 assists.
However, with the forward's contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation regarding his future has been rife with a potential return to Catalan giants Barcelona having been mooted for several months.
PSG are understood to have the option to extend Messi's contract by a further 12 months, but L'Equipe, via The Guardian, reports that the French club have decided against activating the extension clause.
Messi is allegedly keen to make a return to Camp Nou, although Barcelona's well-documented financial troubles could prove to be a stumbling block in their pursuit of the club legend.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal are keen to lure Messi to the Middle East and are prepared to make the forward the highest-paid footballer in the world, while a switch to MLS with Inter Miami has also been mooted.
Oliver Thomas
