How PSG reconsidered sacking Messi over unauthorized Saudi Arabia trip – Report

According to a report from RMC Sport, PSG initially considered dismissing Lionel Messi (35) due to his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia but eventually reversed their decision.

The day after a league defeat against Lorient, Messi flew to Saudi Arabia to fulfill his obligations as the country’s tourism ambassador, despite not receiving approval from PSG head coach Christophe Galtier. In response, PSG suspended Messi for two weeks, preventing him from playing or using the club’s training facilities, with a corresponding deduction in pay.

RMC Sport claims that PSG went even further by sending Messi a summons letter for a pre-dismissal interview, citing his absence from training and “various shortcomings” as reasons for potential termination. However, if Messi had taken the matter to court, PSG would likely have seen the dismissal canceled based on these grounds alone.

ALSO READ: ‘Always good to have him back’, Fulham boss excited as Mitrovic returns from eight-match ban

Subsequently, Messi’s entourage swiftly moved to prevent his potential sacking, leading to the drafting of a secret contract between Messi and PSG’s legal advisors. According to the contract, PSG would welcome Messi back to training if he offered an apology.

Messi took to Instagram to apologize on May 5, explaining that he believed the squad had a day off after the Lorient defeat. Four days later, Messi trained individually before resuming full training with his teammates.

Whether Galtier will include Messi in the lineup against Ajaccio for Ligue 1 matchday 35 remains to be seen.