Paris Saint-Germain's relationship with Lionel Messi will end after two disastrous years following the French champions' decision to suspend the player's unapproved travel to Saudi Arabia.
Messi was embraced as a hero by ardent fans when he arrived in Paris from Barcelona in August 2021, and he was anticipated to clinch PSG's elusive Champions League triumph.
It isn't working out, and some fans are now fighting against a player they see as an example of everything wrong with the club's focus on superstar contracts while failing to build a genuinely competitive team.
He then travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil contractual obligations with the tourist office. As a result, Messi missed a Monday training session scheduled following the weekend defeat.
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He has been punished despite PSG still needing points to retain the French title with five games remaining this season.
According to a source familiar with the disciplinary proceedings, Argentina's World Cup-winning captain will be out for "several days."
Various French media outlets reported that he would be suspended for two weeks.
"He cannot train, or play, and can't get paid while punishments are in place," the source continued.
The Saudi tourist authority released a press release hours later to welcome Messi's visit and to outline his "jam-packed itinerary," which included feeding a herd of gazelles.
"Messi's visit to Saudi Arabia was jam-packe, with something for everyone in the family," the statement said.
Meanwhile, his colleagues were back on the practice field in Paris after suffering their sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 games in 2023.
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