PSG suspend Messi for two weeks

Lionel Messi has reportedly been suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain for making an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentine was pictured in the country, for which he is an ambassador, alongside his wife and children.

Speculation had swirled on Tuesday regarding PSG’s displeasure with Messi for making the trip despite the side losing to Lorient at home on the weekend, with neither Christophe Galtier, the manager, nor Luis Campos, the sporting director, having approved the trip.

According to French publication L’Equipe and radio station RMC, PSG have dished out a harsh punishment to the Argentine for travelling without the permission of the club.

It is claimed that Messi will not appear for the club for two weeks after skipping training to make the trip to the country. He will be prohibited from training and playing, while his pay will be docked, according to reports.

Should the suspension be confirmed, Messi will miss league fixtures against Troyes and Ajaccio.

The suspension comes amid mounting speculation and uncertainty surrounding Messi’s future with the club, despite reports emerging at the end of the World Cup that he would sign a new deal to remain in Paris beyond this summer.

It is now believed Inter Miami or Barcelona represent his likeliest options, though the trip to Saudi Arabia will only serve pour petrol on the flames of speculation he could join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.