PHOTOS of Lionel Messi in Saudi Arabia have emerged – a trip that has seen Paris Saint-Germain ban him for two weeks.
The Argentine, 35, flew to the Middle East without permission following his club’s home defeat to Lorient on Sunday.
He is said to have done so without getting approval from PSG manager Christophe Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos.
The forward wished to take the trip to fulfil commercial work as he’s an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.
He agreed a £25million deal to promote Saudi Arabia last May but had only visited the country once prior to this week.
Now the trip has triggered a massive row.
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French sports daily L’Equipe report that he will not have his contract renewed now in the wake of his Saudi visit.
PSG were furious at him taking the trip and suspended him for two weeks during which time he will not play or train for the French club.
But Messi didn’t look to have a care in the world as he was snapped with his family and kids enjoying some downtime in the Kingdom.
Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and his sons, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5, were spotting visiting a farm yard.
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The South American icon was pictured holding a falcon, while other images showed him petting horses and closely admiring deer.
Wearing a white t-shirt and loose black trousers, the World Cup winner held a wide smile in all of the pictures.
Wag Antonela also appeared to be enjoying herself as she donned more traditional clothes for the trip to the Middle East.
The family also swung by an arcade with Messi playing a game with his kids.
Messi’s ban means he will miss PSG’s matches against Troyes and Ajaccio.
The World Cup winner has contributed 20 goals and 19 assists in 37 matches for the French giants 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 Spanish titans.
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Saudi side Al Hilal have also been linked with a mind-boggling £350million-a-year move for Messi.
And David Beckham’s Inter Miami are also thought to be interested in striking a deal with the Barcelona legend.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
