PSG suspends Messi for unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia
Published:Tuesday | May 2, 2023 | 4:11 PM
Lionel Messi was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia without the club's permission, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person would not specify the length of the suspension, though French media reported it to be two weeks.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly discuss the matter.
A two-week suspension would mean Messi would miss PSG's next two games. L'Equipe and RMC Sport both reported the suspension without citing sources.
The person told the AP that the World Cup champion won't be allowed to train or play with the team and won't be paid during his suspension.
PSG had denied Messi's request to make the trip, the person said.
Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism in the Middle Eastern country.
The suspension comes at a delicate time as the French club hopes to extend the Argentine star's contract beyond this season.
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