Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain
Josh Lawless
Lionel Messi has been suspended by PSG with immediate effect, sensational reports from France claim.
Messi played the full 90 minutes for Christophe Galtier's side on Sunday as they were beaten 3-1 at home to Lorient.
And just hours after the defeat, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner jetted out to Saudi Arabia with his family.
Advert
It was part of a contractually obliged trip as the Argentine ace is an ambassador for Saudi tourism. Messi visited the Middle Eastern country for the third time and was spotted at Riyadh Airport.
But there was anger from members of the club, including officials and teammates, as the trip was apparently not approved.
As a result, RMC Sport say Messi has been punished and will be suspended without play for the next two weeks.
With his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign, it means Messi may well have played his final game for the French giants.
Advert
Messi first visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia one year ago, touring Jeddah and experiencing the Red Sea. He then returned for PSG's friendly clash with the Riyadh XI captained by Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
A series of pictures showing Messi and his family in Saudi were published online, while Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb posted about the visit.
"I am happy to welcome Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel Messi and his family on his second vacation in Saudi Arabia," he wrote.
Advert
"We are happy to share our authentic Saudi welcome with you all."
Reports say Messi could earn around $25 million per year promoting Saudi.
As per L'Equipe, Messi did not get permission from Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos - instead going to the club's Qatari board for the sign off.
Advert
He was expected to be at the Camp des Loges alongside the rest of the squad after Galtier decided Tuesday would be their allocated day off.
The trip which has landed Messi in trouble has been postponed twice, one being slated for after the Champions League exit to Bayern Munich.
The 35-year-old continues to be linked with a dream return to Barcelona, who are trying to put together a feasible financial package that is within their remits.
Messi will miss games against Troyes and against AC Ajaccio but could return for the match with Auxerre on May 21.