LIONEL MESSI has reportedly been slapped with a two-week suspension by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine superstar allegedly skipped training to fly to Saudi Arabia without permission.
The forward works as an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.
He agreed a £25million deal to promote Saudi Arabia last May but had only visited once prior to this week.
Messi jetted out to the Gulf State and was pictured with his wife and children.
But he is said to have done so without getting approval from PSG manager Christophe Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos.
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And RMC Sport reports he has been handed the two-week ban with immediate effect due to a breach of contract – while L’Equipe state the club are so furious they have decided not to extend Messi’s contract.
It means Messi will miss the matches against Troyes this Sunday and Ajaccio on May 13.
SunSport has contacted Messi’s representatives for comment.
The PSG squad was initially expected back in for training on Tuesday.
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But the unexpected 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday meant the Ligue 1 leaders were hauled back in for an extra session on Monday – and given Tuesday off instead.
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However, Messi had already organised his trip to Riyadh after previously having to postpone two planned visits before the latest rescheduling.
Messi, 35, shared a snap of his trip to Saudi Arabia on Instagram alongside a caption that reads: “Who thought Saudi has so much green?
“I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”
Messi has scored 20 goals and assisted 19 in 37 matches this season.
But with his contract up at the end of the campaign, he could in theory have just three PSG matches left before signing for a new club.
An emotional return to Barcelona could be on the cards, if the finances of a deal can be worked out with the Nou Camp giants.
Although Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie reportedly rejected pay cuts to help Barca fund the transfer.
And that could see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner join David Beckham’s Inter Miami or even follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps to the Middle East.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
