Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward, Lionel Messi, has been suspended for two weeks after an unauthorised trip for two days to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension, a media report in Paris stated on Tuesday, May 2.
The 35-year-old player was pictured in Riyadh on Monday and advertised his presence in the country on his social media.
Messi already serves as a tourism ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The level of response from the club, who are declining to comment publicly, is proof of a new policy at PSG, driven by President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, whereby no one is bigger than the club – and the same rules will apply to everyone.
The World Cup winner, who was reported to have the intention to witness PSG’s sporting plans for next season before committing to a new contract, is in the final months of a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 leaders.
READ ALSO: Breaking: PSG to suspend Messi over Saudi Arabia trip
Messi, who has returned to Paris on Tuesday night, posted on his Instagram in partnership with VisitSaudi a picture of a row of palm trees with the caption: “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”
The post was liked by more than 5.6 million people.
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal want to sign Messi this summer when his contract at PSG runs out and, with the backing of the country, are prepared to pay him an astronomical £400 million for just one season in order to market a league that contains both Cristiano Ronaldo and the 2022 World Cup winner.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism minister, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, also tweeted a welcome to Messi on Monday as well as posting pictures of the Argentina World Cup winner.
This came a few hours after he had played 90 minutes of PSG’s 3-1 home defeat to Lorient, which cut their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to just five points with as many games remaining.
“I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
“We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality,” Al-Khateeb tweeted.
Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but may return for the match against Auxerre on May 21.
PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches.
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