There has been quite a storm surrounding Paris Saint-Germain and star player Lionel Messi in recent days.
PSG reportedly suspended Messi for two weeks because he – without the Qatari-owned club’s permission – traveled to Saudi Arabia to fulfill his role as a tourism ambassador for the country. The trip took place after PSG had lost 1–3 to Lorient in the league game, usually the players are off the day after the match – but this time coach Christophe Galtier had canceled training, but Messi hadn’t noticed.
“Could not set”
In a video on Instagram, Messi says he thought he was free.
— I thought we were off after the game, as we usually are. I had organized the trip and could not cancel it. I had already canceled it once before, says Messi and continues:
— I apologize to my teammates and now I’m waiting to see what the club wants to do with me.
Accepting the suspension
At a press conference on Friday, Galtier said that the club and Messi will discuss the future.
— The whole club will be involved, but of course also Leo. He is the main character in this, said Galtier.
How it is with the suspension is a bit unclear. Galtier confirms that Messi accepts the suspension and will not play against Troyes this weekend, but the actual length of the suspension has not been confirmed.
“I didn’t make the decision (to suspend him), I just gave him the message,” Galtier said.
Messi’s contract with PSG expires after this season.
PSG lead the French league by a five-point margin over runners-up Marseille, with five rounds remaining.