Messi plays final PSG game after players back club

Jacque Talbot

• 3 May 2023 22:40 BST
• 3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain have made a huge power move by choosing to sanction Lionel Messi for leaving to Saudi Arabia without the agreement of the club.

Messi missed the training that was planned for Monday and was consequently laid off for 15 days for breach of internal regulations without the possibility of going to his place of work, reports Le Parisien.

The Argentinian, who was also absent Wednesday morning in training, looks now to be headed for the exit, as his deal draws to a close next month.

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Messi’s contract is to June 30, 2023, but he will not feature in any more games for PSG for the rest of the season.

It is thought that other players in the PSG ranks have backed the club over their move to punish the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Manager Christophe Galtier and his assistants have so far refused to comment on the situation involving Messi.

He will now take steps to find a new club for the next campaign.

It is reported, too, via the same publication that Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, has briefed Argentine media of the situation, turning the tide very much against the Ligue 1 club.

Messi in talks with Saudi Arabia

It comes after reports that the Saudi Arabian government is preparing the most lucrative salary deal in the history of football to entice Messi to join its Saudi Pro League.

The Telegraph reports that talks between Jorge and the country are already underway for the player to join when his deal runs out.

The whole package could be worth £320 million - an amount that would exceed even the £165 million that Cristiano Ronaldo is being paid at the moment.

A PSG contract offer has been on the table since January for Messi to remain for another year, but there is no expectation that it will be signed by the former Barcelona attacker.