PSG suspend Lionel Messi for two weeks in aftermath of Saudi Arabia trip

On Tuesday evening, PSG made the surprising decision to suspend Lionel Messi for two weeks with immediate effect, according to reports from RMC Sport and L’Équipe.

The Argentine footballer had traveled to Saudi Arabia on Monday, despite his PSG teammates being scheduled to train at the Camp des Loges.

While PSG players were not initially meant to train on Monday or Tuesday, the day off on Monday was canceled after Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat to Lorient, and players were ordered to report for training. Messi did not attend.

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The trip to Saudi Arabia was part of Messi’s contractual obligations as an ambassador for the country, but it was not sanctioned by PSG manager Christophe Galtier or Sporting Advisor Luís Campos.

Messi’s absence was reportedly discussed at length in the PSG dressing room, and some players were said to be “shocked.” AFP has confirmed that PSG has opened disciplinary proceedings following Messi’s unauthorized absence, and he will miss the next two PSG games against Troyes on Sunday and Ajaccio on May 13.