Topline
Paris Saint-Germain has suspended superstar forward Lionel Messi for two weeks after he made a promotional trip to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission, according to multiple reports, in a shock turn that will sideline the World Cup winner for multiple games as the season wraps up.
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Key Facts
Messi, 35, reportedly jetted to Saudi Arabia, where he serves as an official “Tourism Ambassador,” after PSG’s 3-1 loss at home Sunday against FC Lorient.
The suspension will reportedly be without pay, and will leave Messi out of PSG’s upcoming Ligue 1 games against Troyes and Ajaccio, though he will be available for the final three matches of the season.
Messi is not expected to extend his contract with PSG after the season ends in early June.
Key Background
PSG’s decision to suspend its star, who is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, represents a major escalation of what has been a souring relationship over the past few months. Messi captured glory in December when he led his Argentina national team to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best player, but many observers believe his performance has slumped since winning the world’s biggest sporting event—leading to PSG fans loudly jeering Messi at times. Messi’s contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of this season, but he has already reportedly turned down a pay cut offered to remain with the team, prompting immense speculation about where he will end up next season. Messi has reportedly received massive offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, while a move to Major League Soccer and even a return to FC Barcelona—the club where he started his career and rose to stardom—has also been discussed.
What To Watch For
If Messi were to sign with a Saudi club, it would promise more competitive matches featuring Messi and fellow all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Riyadh-based Al Nassr FC after the World Cup. Messi was unveiled as a Saudi tourism ambassador last year, which could put him in a difficult position in the near future, as both Saudi Arabia and his native Argentina are involved in rival bids to host the 2030 World Cup.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/05/02/lionel-messi-suspended-2-weeks-for-visiting-saudi-arabia-without-teams-permission/