PSG suspend Messi over Saudi trip

Paris Saint-Germain have suspended Lionel Messi with immediate effect.

This follows his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, after the club’s 3-1 loss to Lorient on Sunday.

“Paris Saint-Germain have decided to suspend Lionel Messi with immediate effect for two weeks, sources confirm. The suspension will take place now after Messi’s trip to Saudi NOT authorised by the club as per @RMCsport,” Romano tweeted.

PSG manager, Christophe Galtier, had promised his players that they would have two days off, Monday and Tuesday, if they defeated Lorient.

However, Galtier made it clear that a loss would see the players being called in for training on Monday.

Messi, who has a role as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, had requested to travel to the Arab gulf to honour his sponsorship deal.

Sporting director Luis Campos and Galtier gave him approval to go only if PSG win or draw, but not a defeat.

However, following the 3-1 defeat to Lorient, Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without asking again for permission, meaning he could not attend training on Monday.

Messi will miss the Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but may return for the match against Auxerre on 21 May. PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches.