Why has PSG handed Lionel Messi a two-week suspension?

Reports reaching NRTC indicate that seven-time Ballond’Or winner Lionel Messi has been suspended by French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The suspension, as confirmed, will last for two weeks and comes as a result of Messi’s absence from training on Monday.

According to ESPN, Messi missed the training after he travelled to Saudi Arabia.

Also, it was reported that the Argentine will not train or play with the first team and will not be paid during his suspension.

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First reported by French newspaper L’Equipe, PSG manager Christophe Galtier told his players that they would have two days off, Monday and Tuesday, if they beat Lorient on Sunday, but a defeat would result in the players being called in for training on Monday.

35-year-old Messi asked if he would be allowed by PSG to travel to the Arab gulf to honour his sponsorship deal as a Saudi ambassador.

It was confirmed Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos gave him the go ahead in the case of a win or draw, but not a defeat.

However, following PSG’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Lorient, Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without being granted the permission to do so. It meant he could not attend training on Monday.

PSG on a poor run of form

The loss to Lorient was PSG’s third defeat in their past four league games.

Meanwhile, Messi’s deal at the Parc des Princes is due to expire at the end of the season.

Although Barcelona are seeking the possibility of re-signing Messi, La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned that the league won’t change its financial fair play rules to allow the PSG man to return.

Rumours also have it that Messi keeps attracting interest from Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.