Paris Saint-Germain were left with no choice but to suspend Lionel Messi following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia – with the club adapting a similar approach to Manchester United over Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi’s PSG teammates were left ‘shocked’ after he took an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia on Monday. The Argentine superstar is contractually obliged visit to the Gulf State as part of his role as tourism ambassador to the nation but he did not inform anyone at PSG of his trip.
That left many teammates bemused as to why the 35-year-old was not among them when they arrived at training on Monday. It comes with the star being expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the current season, as reported by Mirror Football . The club are no longer prioritising his contract renewal.
The player was aware that PSG players would be summoned to training on Monday following the defeat in Ligue 1 against Lorient the previous day. A day off had been planned if they beat Lorient - but only if they won. Following defeat, Messi knew he was expected to show up on Monday. Yet, no permission was sought for his trip from anyone at the club, including manager Christophe Galtier and director Luis Campos.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb tweeted on Monday, alongside several pictures of Messi’s trip: “I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences. We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality. #WelcomeMessi”
On Sunday, Messi posted a message on his Instagram account (shared by the official tourism board page), appearing to announce his impending trip. "Who thought Saudi Arabia had so much greenery? I like to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can."
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Messi’s tenure at PSG appears to be following a similar pattern to the final months of Ronaldo at Manchester United. It was a similar scenario of a superstar player appearing to take the rules into his own hands and going above team discipline. The 38-year-old stormed down the tunnel at Old Trafford after United's dominant two-goal victory over Spurs in October and left the stadium before his teammates returned to the dressing room.
Ronaldo was widely criticised for his actions at the end of that encounter with reports highlighting how many of his club teammates were dismayed at his behaviour. It was a moment that helped accelerate the deterioration of the relationship between the forward and boss Erik ten Hag.
That preceded Ronaldo's bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, in which he accused United of betrayal and trying to force him out of the club. Weeks later, Ronaldo left the club by mutual consent – with the remaining seven months of his contracted wages forfeited.
Of course, the other common thread is Saudi Arabia – the destination of Messi’s trip and the nation where Ronaldo now plays, having joined Al-Nassr in January.
As for Messi, he can have no complaints. The two-week suspension – which will include him being banned from the club’s training facilities – is just and appropriate, but it signals PSG bringing an end to the ‘bling bling’ superstar era which was fuelled by individuals, often ahead of the needs of the team. These must surely now be his closing few months in the French capital.
