This week saw Lionel Messi suspended for failing to turn up for work.
Paris Saint-Germain banned him from playing or training with the team for two weeks after the forward took an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for two days. Messi has been an ambassador for the Gulf nation’s tourism board for several years.
#WelcomeMessi to Diriyah, the land of traditions, heritage and history. Leo Messi, his wife Antonella and his sons Mateo and Ciro had an enjoyable tour where they learned about the history of Saudi and met its generous and hospitable people in At-Turaif. pic.twitter.com/vna7y63m2u
— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 2, 2023
The Argentinian’s future at PSG beyond this summer is not clear. He joined them from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 on a two-year contract worth €30million (£26.4m; $33.1m) per season and there is the option of adding a third year if both parties agree to trigger the extension. This has not happened yet and is unlikely to now.
Messi’s World Cup triumph in Qatar last December saw him anointed by many as the greatest footballer ever, yet the rest of his season has involved his club getting knocked out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage and making hard work of retaining the Ligue 1 title. Messi has also…
