Lionel Messi faces a suspension from Paris Saint-Germain after traveling to Saudi Arabia without permission earlier this week, according to an AFP source with knowledge of the situation.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will be banned for “several days,” according to the source, although various French media outlets claimed a two-week sentence.
“He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place,” the source added.
Another club source indicated that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would “probably” be sidelined for a fortnight, noting that “nobody is more important than the club”.
Messi, who will turn 36 in June, featured in PSG’s 3-1 Ligue 1 home loss to Lorient on Sunday.
He then traveled to Saudi Arabia to fulfill contractual obligations with the country’s tourist office.
As a result, Messi missed a Monday training session scheduled after the weekend defeat, before the PSG squad was given a day off on Tuesday.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Argentine will not train on Wednesday either.
Messi is expected to miss PSG’s return to league play against struggling Troyes on Sunday.
If he is out for two weeks, he will also miss a home encounter against Ajaccio on May 13.
The disciplinary procedures make it much more unlikely that Messi will stay in Paris after his two-year contract expires at the end of this season.
After initially appearing ready to stay for another year, a source close to the club told AFP last month that he was now “much more likely” to leave at the conclusion of the season.
Messi moved to Paris from Barcelona in 2021 but has struggled to replicate his best form, scoring 31 goals in 71 games across all competitions.
