Lionel Messi Suspended By PSG Over Unauthorized Saudi Arabia Trip

Lionel Messi has reportedly been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after missing training to travel to Saudi Arabia without permission from Christophe Galtier.

Robert Summerscales | May 2, 2023

Lionel Messi Suspended By PSG Over Unauthorized Saudi Arabia Trip /

Lionel Messi has reportedly been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after missing training to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Messi is an official ambassador for the Saudi tourism board and is said to earn more than $30 million per year from the role.

The 35-year-old flew to Saudi Arabia along with his wife Antonela and their three children this week.

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's minister of tourism, tweeted some photos of Messi and his family on Monday.

Alongside the images, he wrote: "I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.

"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.

We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality. 🇸🇦#WelcomeMessi pic.twitter.com/QQGdnAqQ08
— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023

But according to L'Equipe, PSG manager Christophe Galtier had not authorized Messi's absence from training.

It is not uncommon for PSG players to take one or two days off training following a victory. But Galtier had wanted his entire first team to report to the club's training center on Monday, after Messi and Co had slumped to a 3-1 loss to Lorient on Sunday.

Despite his apparent failure to get Galtier's approval for the trip, Messi's visit to the Middle East had been organized weeks in advance.

Messi may now want to consider extending the trip because, as reported by French radio station RMC Sport, PSG have suspended him for two weeks.

🔴 Selon nos informations, le PSG a pris la décision de sanctionner Leo Messi pour sa virée en Arabie saoudite. L'Argentin est suspendu pour deux semaines avec effet immédiat.
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) May 2, 2023

A tweet from RMC Sport's official account read on Monday evening: "According to our information, PSG has taken the decision to sanction Leo Messi for his trip to Saudi Arabia.

"The Argentine is suspended for two weeks with immediate effect."

If news of Messi's suspension is accurate, he will be unavailable for PSG's next two games - away at Troyes on Sunday and then at home against Ajaccio on May 13.

Messi has featured in 28 Ligue 1 matches for PSG this season, providing 15 goals and 15 assists.

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