Lionel Messi was recently spotted with his family spending time in Saudi Arabia. Messi shared pictures on his social media account as he seems to be unperturbed by the ongoing transfer situation. Despite the ongoing controversy about Messi’s future, the Argentine star has decided to go on a vacation without seeking permission from his club.
I am happy to welcome Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel #Messi and his family on his second vacation in Saudi. We are happy to share our authentic Saudi welcome with you all #WelcomeMessi
— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
The reason behind Lionel Messi’s visit to Saudi Arabia is that he is the Saudi Arabian Ambassador of Tourism. Messi’s visit was a part of his duties as the PSG star was welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism. He shared a post on social media and wrote, “I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.”
Lionel Messi posted pictures of enjoying himself with his family at the National Zoo of Riyadh. Messi wrote, “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can.” Messi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia has also rekindled the rumors of him joining Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Over the past few weeks, there have been reports of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal showing an interest to sign the PSG star.
The club has also reportedly offered a mammoth $400 million deal to Messi. However, playing in Saudi Arabia doesn’t currently seem to be in Messi’s plan. The 2022 World Cup hero is yet to decide on his next club as his future at PSG remains unsure. While Messi’s former club FC Barcelona has expressed their desire on signing Messi, the financial fair play regulations are likely to hinder Barcelona‘s plans.
PSG show Lionel Messi no mercy with a two-week suspension
Lionel Messi’s Saudi Arabia trip has not gone down well with PSG coach Christophe Galtier. As per reports from L’Equipe, the PSG coach and PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos had opposed Messi’s trip. However, Messi went over their heads and directly sought permission from the Qatari owners of the club. This action by Messi wasn’t appreciated by Galtier.
🚨 PSG’s squad were shocked that Leo Messi visited Saudi Arabia on a trip that wasn’t approved by the club. 🇸🇦
Messi did not wait for the agreement of Christophe Galtier or Luis Campos before leaving.
The team would have been given two days off if they beat Lorient, but they… pic.twitter.com/nMusM21A3h
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 2, 2023
Moreover, PSG’s recent 3-1 loss to Lorient last Sunday at the Parc des Princes was another reason behind Galtier’s decision to not let Messi go. If PSG had won the match, the players would have been granted two days off. As a response to Messi’s defiance, RMC Sport reported that PSG has suspended Messi with immediate effect for two weeks for his unauthorized trip.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: PSG have SUSPENDED Lionel Messi for two weeks with immediate effect for his unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia!
(Source: @RMCsport) pic.twitter.com/UT71ZIBJ61
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 2, 2023
This news will play a huge role in deciding Lionel Messi’s future at PSG. Despite the rumors of Messi wanting to return to Barcelona, PSG was still leading the race to sign a new contract with Messi. Instead, the latest incident indicates an ongoing rift between Messi and the PSG board. However, Messi is yet to officially comment on this incident.