Barcelona reveals Lionel Messi reunion plan after PSG sanction

 

Paris Saint-Germain’s relationship with Lionel Messi is set to end after two underwhelming years following the French champions’ decision to suspend the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

Messi, who will be 36 in June, played in PSG’s insipid 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday.He then travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country’s tourist office.As a result Messi missed a training session pencilled in for Monday following the weekend defeat.

PSG acted swiftly to punish Messi, despite his status as one of the sport’s greats.He has been suspended even though PSG still need points to retain the French title with five matches left this season.A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina’s World-Cup winning captain would be sidelined for “several days”.Various media in France reported he would be suspended for two weeks.

“He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place,” the source added.

Hours later the Saudi tourist board issued a press release to celebrate Messi’s visit and detail his “jam-packed itinerary” which included feeding a herd of gazelles.

“Messi’s visit to Saudi was packed with exciting activities, with something for everyone in the family,” it said.

Meanwhile his teammates were back on the training ground in Paris after suffering a sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 matches in 2023.That Messi should miss training to fly instead to Saudi Arabia could be seen as especially embarrassing for PSG’s owners given recent frictions between Qatar and its Gulf neighbour.Saudi Arabia imposed a diplomatic blockade on Qatar in 2017 along with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, although a reconciliation accord was sealed in January 2021 and the countries have since renewed relations.

Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to bring him back, yet the Catalans’ ongoing financial issues cast doubt on their ability to make a deal happen.There are no other obvious options available to Messi in Europe, meaning he may have to consider a move elsewhere.MLS outfit Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, have long been considered a possible destination for Messi.Another is Saudi Arabia, where he could renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently moved to Riyadh side Al Nassr.