Julian LawrenceReporter3 minutes to read
Laurens: Paris Saint-Germain makes an example of Lionel Messi by suspension
Julien Laurens says Lionel Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia and subsequent suspension by Paris Saint-Germain is the result of the club putting an end to its leniency with star players.
Sources have told ESPN that Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Last month, ESPN reported that Messi was unlikely to sign a new contract with the club, and sources have now said both parties have agreed not to extend his stay with the French champions.
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According to the sources, the Argentine international was suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for two weeks due to his absence from training on Monday to travel to Saudi Arabia.
After Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 defeat by Lorient – the third loss in his last four league matches – Messi traveled to Saudi Arabia without asking permission again, sources told ESPN, meaning he was unable to attend training on Monday.
The incident further complicated the relationship between the player and the club. Sources told ESPN that the situation caused tension within the dressing room, with some players unhappy about the incident.
Sources said that a preliminary agreement was reached between Paris Saint-Germain and Messi before the World Cup to sign a new agreement in Paris, but the situation has changed since then.
Messi, 35, has failed to replicate his stellar World Cup form with Paris Saint-Germain and the club doubt whether Messi can still make big appearances in the Champions League.
Sources told ESPN that there is an offer from Saudi Arabia for Messi and that he is aware of the interest of former Barcelona club and Inter Miami football club.
Barcelona are looking into the possibility of re-signing Messi, although La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned that the league will not change its financial fair play rules to allow him to return.