Le Parisien are reporting that Lionel Messi (35) may not play again for Paris Saint-Germain after being suspended by the club for two weeks.
Messi made an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, for whom he is a tourism ambassador, in the wake of Les Parisiens’ 3-1 home defeat to FC Lorient on Sunday. As a consequence of that poor outing, during which the Argentinian international participated the full 90 minutes, the squad trained on Monday – but without Messi, who was making a contractually obliged visit to the Gulf State.
PSG’s response was swift and strong. Messi has been suspended for two weeks – without pay – and will therefore miss the games against ESTAC Troyes and AC Ajaccio. As initially revealed by L’Équipe, Messi’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, won’t be extended, meaning that he will leave the reigning Ligue 1 champions at the end of the current campaign.
Whilst the former Barcelona forward could feature in PSG’s final three games, against AJ Auxerre, Strasbourg and Clermont Foot, Le Parisien are reporting that there is “little chance” that he will pull on the red and blue of PSG again. Whilst the club want him to participate in those fixtures, the French media reports that the idea of doing so “doesn’t enchant” Messi, whose principal focus is now on finding his next club.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
