By Samuel A. May 6, 2023
Lionel Messi has apologised to Paris Saint Germain for missing Monday’s training session, because he had travelled to Saudi Arabia to promote the country’s tourism industry.
Messi, who was given a two week suspension, posted a message on social media saying he was on his way to Riyadh when players were told their day off had been cancelled. The 35-year-old, who has also been fined by the club, has a role as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia. He was pictured in Riyadh on Monday and advertised his presence in the country on his social media.
The level of response from the club, who are declining to comment publicly, is proof of a new policy at PSG, driven by president Nasser Al Khelaifi, whereby no one is bigger than the club, and the same rules will apply to everyone.
Saudi Arabian club – Al Hilal wants to sign Messi this summer when his contract at PSG runs out, and with the backing of the country, are prepared to pay him an astronomical £400m for just one season in order to market a league that contains both him and Cristiano Ronaldo. Saudi Arabia tourism minister, Ahmed Al-Khateeb tweeted a welcome post to Messi on Monday, as well as posting pictures of the Argentine, only hours after he had played 90 minutes of PSG’s 3-1 home defeat to Lorient, which cut their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to just five points with as many games remaining.
“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.” Ahmed tweeted.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier clarified that he had nothing to do with Messi’s suspension, while condemning fan protests outside players’ homes, which was deemed unacceptable. “Leo’s suspension has added to poor performances, we can’t hide behind that,” Galtier, said on Friday in a press conference. “The decision was nothing to do with me. I was informed of the decision. I can’t say it has been a pleasant period.”
PSG top Ligue 1 by five points with five games to play but are out of the Champions League and lost in the last 16 of the French Cup. There were fan protests all over the city of Paris, following their defeat to Lorient last Sunday. Fans also gathered outside the home of the club’s Brazilian forward Neymar, the 31 year old who is out for the season due to injury, on Wednesday, chanting for him to leave the club.
The actions of the supporters prompted the club to increase security at the homes of Messi, Neymar, Italy midfielder Marco Verratti and Galtier, as well as at the club’s training ground.
“I can understand the anger, the disappointment of our fans. You may protest at the training ground or at the PSG office or after a match at the Parc des Princes but I cannot accept it at anyone’s house. There is a lot of these things happening at the moment, and they can be uncontrollable and dangerous” said Galtier
