Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning French champions, has suspended their star player, Lionel Messi, for two weeks without pay, following his unsanctioned travel to Saudi Arabia.
According to sources, Messi made a personal request to travel to Saudi Arabia to honour his sponsorship deal as a Saudi ambassador.
PSG coach, Christophe Galtier and sporting director, Luis Campos reportedly gave Messi their approval to make the trip, but with a condition that PSG must win or draw their next match, which was against Lorient in Ligue 1 last Sunday.
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PSG succumbed to a 3-1 home defeat to Lorient on Sunday, and the match ended with PSG having only nine players left on the field.
Messi’s suspension has raised eyebrows among football fans and media outlets worldwide, with many speculating about the impact it could have on his future and PSG’s season.
The Argentine has been in fine form for the Parisian club this season, scoring 15 goals and providing 15 assists in the league.