PSG ‘suspend Lionel Messi for two weeks’ after striker ‘skipped training to fly to Saudi Arabia without permission’

LIONEL MESSI has reportedly been banned from Paris Saint-Germain for two weeks.

The Argentine superstar is said to have skipped practice to fly to Saudi Arabia without a permit.

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The forward works as an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.

He agreed to a £25m deal to promote Saudi Arabia last May but had only been there once before this week.

Now, according to L’Equipe, Messi has flown to the Middle East without the consent of PSG manager Christophe Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos.

And RMC Sport report that he has been handed the two-week suspension effective immediately for breach of contract.

That means Messi will miss the games against Troyes this Sunday and against Ajaccio on May 13.

The PSG squad was initially expected to train again on Tuesday.

But the unexpected 3-1 loss to Lorient on Sunday meant they were brought back for an extra session on Monday.

However, Messi had already organized his trip to Riyadh and was reportedly given permission by the club’s Qatari board to fly out, having previously had to postpone two planned visits before the postponement.

Messi, 35, shared a snap of his trip to Saudi Arabia on Instagram, along with a caption that reads: ‘Who knew Saudi had so much greenery?

“I love exploring its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”

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