PSG SUSPEND Messi as Argentine edges closer to Barcelona return

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 May 2023 20:08 BST
• 3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain have suspended Lionel Messi for two weeks without pay after his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentine has been spending a fair bit of time outside of France amid uncertainty over his future. A family trip to Barcelona was followed up by a visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday - ostensibly for sponsorship reasons - which has led to PSG banning Messi from training and match selection for two weeks without pay.

Out of contract in the summer and with an extension unlikely, the PSG star has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona and the Blaugrana higher-ups have made no secret of their intention to bring the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner back to the Camp Nou.

Their miserable financial position has, however, put a move in doubt as approval from LaLiga for their financial viability plan is still not forthcoming despite recent reports out of Spain. Barcelona still need to shave €200 million off their wage bill before they can seriously think about re-signing Messi.

READ: Messi holds ‘thorough talks’ over summer transfer to Al Hilal

In the meantime, Saudi side Al-Hilal have emerged as a potential destination after they reportedly submitted a €400 million-per-year offer, which was initially rejected but might be more attractive now given the uncertainty looming over Barcelona. With his excursion, Messi has risked falling out with PSG, which makes a stay beyond the summer all but impossible.

Al-Khelaifi not amused

His unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia - connected with his role as a tourist ambassador for the country - and his subsequent absence from training has left PSG boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi fuming.

L'Equipe reported earlier that the no-show "has caused a lot of talk internally." In fact, it has likely "settled" the possibility of a contract extension, claimed the French paper. Al-Khelaifi does not want the Argentine around anymore and he has now meted out his punishment.

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"Currently in the United States, Nasser Al-Khelaifi has taken matters into his own hands in this case." It is possible that Lionel Messi has played his last game for PSG.