Soccer

PSG handed Messi suspension

PSG handed Messi suspension

Lionel Messi has been placed on two weeks of suspension by Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain as a result of the soccer star’s unapproved affair to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the vacation was included in a promotional commercial arrangement. The 35-year-old is expected to miss PSG’s practices and matches while he is on suspension, according to sources. 

According to reports, the World Cup champion requested for this trip and commercial work but was turned down by PSG. The suspension stems from a new policy instituted by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, according to which no one is bigger than the team and everyone must abide by the same rules, including their biggest player, Lionel Messi. The 35-year-old also serves as Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambassador. 

Multiple posts, including one of Saudi Arabia’s officials, confirmed Messi’s trip in the country. “I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences,” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism tweeted along with Messi’s photos with his family. “We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.”

Earlier, Messi posted a promotion for Saudi tourism: “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.” PSG is owned by a Qatar-based firm, and there is a geopolitical conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The suspension also came amid rumors of Messi’s departure at the Parisian club. Follow OBN for more! 

His contract with PSG will expire by June and the seven-time Ballon D’or winner remains uncertain about his future in France. According to reports, Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal eyes to sign Messi for a whooping £400m for just one season in order to bring him and Cristiano Ronaldo in the same team. There are also rumors of Messi returning to Barcelona, where he spent most of his career. 

Messi arrived from Barcelona in 2021 but has struggled to bring his best form to France. He has scored 31 goals and contributed 34 assists in 71 games in all competitions for PSG, and won the Ligue 1 title last season. He scored 20 goals in all competitions this season and is the leading assist provider in Ligue 1 with 15. PSG is five-point ahead of Marseille with just five games remaining in the season.