Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, has been suspended by Paris St-Germain (PSG) for two weeks and fined for traveling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission. Messi, who is also an ambassador for tourism in Saudi Arabia, requested permission to travel to the country for commercial work, but the club denied his request. Messi’s suspension effectively calls time on his PSG career, even though the team has three games left to play this season.
PSG, who are five points ahead in Ligue 1 with five games left, have a zero-tolerance policy towards discipline and see their actions as a statement about the future direction of the club, which they are committed to making around younger players. The decision not to renew Messi’s contract is also supported by the club’s fans, who do not want him to stay.
Messi’s contract with PSG expires this summer, and Barcelona has expressed interest in bringing him back to the Nou Camp. In March, Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste claimed that the Spanish club was in contact with Messi about a return. However, it remains to be seen where Messi will end up playing next season.
Messi has had a successful stint at PSG, scoring 31 goals and providing 34 assists in 71 games in all competitions. He also won the Ligue 1 title with the team last season. PSG will miss Messi’s contributions in the upcoming matches against Troyes and Ajaccio as they aim to secure their ninth league title in 11 seasons.
