Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been suspended for two weeks without pay after traveling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission. The suspension has left fans speculating about the player’s future with the club, which has made it clear that it wants to focus on developing younger players.
According to reports, Messi had asked for permission to carry out commercial work in Saudi Arabia but was refused by PSG. The 35-year-old is also a tourism ambassador for the country. PSG officials see Messi’s suspension as a standard disciplinary action, but it is a clear sign of the club’s no-tolerance approach to discipline.
Messi’s contract with PSG expires this summer, and there have been reports that Barcelona, his former club, is interested in re-signing him. However, his recent suspension may have cast doubts over the player’s future at the French club. It is also believed that PSG fans are in agreement with the club’s decision, and Messi’s contract will not be renewed.
PSG’s focus on developing younger players is part of the club’s long-term strategy, which it hopes will ensure sustained success in the future. The team has already brought in several young players, including Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, and the club is confident that these players can help take the team to new heights.
Messi’s absence from the team means that he will miss the next two Ligue 1 matches, and he will not be present to witness PSG’s attempts to secure a ninth league title in 11 seasons. Despite his absence, the team is expected to continue performing well, thanks to the talented players it has on its roster.
As for Messi’s future, Barcelona has been trying to re-sign the Argentine forward this summer, but the club has been charged by La Liga for breaching its spending limits for the 2021-22 season. While the fine has been successfully appealed, Barcelona is still at the very limit of what it can spend and may have to sell players to accommodate Messi’s return.
Despite the challenges, the club is optimistic about Messi’s potential return. However, the Barcelona manager, Xavi, has stated that it is too soon to speculate about Messi’s return to the club. Meanwhile, Messi has been offered a one-year deal worth a reported £400m to play for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, although there is no indication whether this offer had any connection to his recent trip.
