Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia causes controversy at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may face another scandal off the pitch after Lionel Messi’s unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentine, as part of his role as the Gulf state’s tourism ambassador, flew to Saudi Arabia on Monday, skipping training without the permission of PSG’s Luís Campos or Christophe Galtier.

Messi’s absence from training led some people within the club, including players, to suspect that he was receiving preferential treatment. Although the players had originally been given the day off, it was canceled after the team’s defeat to Lorient on Sunday.

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According to RMC, the issue is currently being treated as a misunderstanding and Messi will not face any fines. However, L’Équipe reports that PSG’s club president Nasser Al Khelaifi has taken charge of the case, unhappy with Messi’s absence from training.

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Given the footballer’s stature and ongoing contract talks, the issue is being dealt with in Doha. The club is now considering imposing a sanction on Messi, but it is unclear whether this will take the form of a fine.

PSG is already under pressure after its defeat to Lorient, which has put the team’s title chances back in contention. The latest scandal involving Messi’s unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia is another headache for the club. The issue may also affect ongoing contract talks between Messi and PSG.

Despite the uncertainties, PSG remains in the running for a number of titles this season, including the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League.