LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) –Paris Saint-Germain reportedly decided not to extend Lionel Messi’s contract after the Argentine’s unexpected trip to Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old left for the Middle East after PSG’s unexpected 3-1 loss to Lorient on Sunday, as the Gulf state’s tourism ambassador, Messi is believed to have traveled there as part of his duties.
However, it was noted on Tuesday that the club had not approved this action because training was scheduled for that day.
The verdict was a two-week suspension without pay for the Argentine, but L’Equipe is now claiming a considerably worse penalty.
The Argentine star’s current contract, as has been widely reported, will end this summer, although the capital club did have the opportunity to activate a provision for a third season.
Senior club officials were reportedly leaning toward letting Messi depart, but talks were still going on and a contract extension was still a possibility.
Messi’s exit this summer is obviously a given, therefore it now seems as though the trip to Saudi Arabia was the deciding factor.
He now has just three more games left in a PSG jersey due to the two-week suspension he received from the team.
Regardless of the potential financial consequences for the team, the events represent a big boost for Barcelona’s ambitions of re-signing the Argentina star.
Also, Inter Miami of the MLS and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia are other interested parties.
Nevertheless, If manager Christophe Galtier decides to use him, the Argentine will play three more games for PSG following his suspension against Auxerre, Strasbourg, and Clermont before his stint in France comes to an end.
