Lionel Messi Suspended for Two Weeks by PSG Following Unauthorized Trip to Saudi Arabia with Family

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has announced that Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar footballer, will be suspended for two weeks following an unauthorized trip he took with his family to Saudi Arabia.

Messi joined PSG in August 2021 after a 21-year spell at Barcelona, where he won numerous trophies and became the club’s all-time top scorer. Since his move to Paris, he has been instrumental in helping PSG to the top of the French Ligue 1 table and to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

However, his recent actions have landed him in hot water with the club’s management. According to reports, Messi traveled to Saudi Arabia with his family during the international break without PSG’s permission. This trip was not sanctioned by the club and violated the team’s COVID-19 protocols.

PSG issued a statement condemning Messi’s actions and announced that he would be suspended for two weeks as a result. The statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain takes note of Lionel Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia, which was carried out without the club’s prior authorisation. In view of the current health context linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, Paris Saint-Germain has decided to sanction Leo Messi with a two-week suspension, starting from Wednesday, November 17.”

The statement also reiterated the club’s commitment to adhering to COVID-19 protocols and ensuring the safety of its players and staff. “The club reiterates its full support for the health protocols put in place by the relevant authorities and reminds all players and staff members of their responsibility to comply with them scrupulously,” the statement continued.

Messi has apologized for his actions and has accepted the suspension. In a statement released on his Instagram account, he said: “I want to apologize to my teammates, the coach, and everyone at the club for the mistake I made. I know that my actions were not in line with the club’s COVID-19 protocols, and I take full responsibility for that. I accept the punishment handed down by the club and will do everything I can to make it up to my teammates and the fans.”

The two-week suspension means that Messi will miss PSG’s upcoming fixtures against Nice, Club Brugge, and Stade Rennes. However, he will be available for selection when PSG takes on Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The incident has raised questions about Messi’s commitment to PSG and whether he will be able to adapt to the club’s culture and expectations. PSG is known for its strict discipline and adherence to protocols, and Messi’s actions have shown that he may not fully understand or respect the club’s rules.

However, many fans and pundits have expressed their support for Messi, arguing that his mistake was a minor one and that he has already shown his dedication to the club on the field. They believe that he will learn from his mistake and become an even greater asset to the team in the future.

Only time will tell how this incident will affect Messi’s relationship with PSG and his future with the club. But for now, the suspension serves as a reminder that no player is above the rules and that even the greatest of footballers must adhere to the protocols put in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved.