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Lionel Messi's recent trip to Saudi Arabia has forced PSG to punish him with the Argentine suspended for 2 weeks without pay.
Paris Saint Germain star Lionel Messi made the headlines this week after he was punished by the Ligue 1 giants following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
Pulse Sports reported that the 35-year-old Argentine playmaker was handed a 2-week suspension without pay as the Qatari-owned club looked to clamp down on indiscipline among members of the squad.
Messi, a Saudi Arabia ambassador for Tourism, was spotted in some photos with his family in the Middle East after reports said the former Barcelona skipper already postponed his ambassadorial trip twice, but could not decline a third time.
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But Messi’s actions did n ot go down well with PSG who felt La Pulga disrespected the coach, his teammates, with his shocking decision to leave without being granted formal permission.
Photos revealed by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism showed the visit of the Argentine star and his family.
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Al-Khateeb posted on Twitter photos of Messi’s family with a caption that read: "Messi and his family treated themselves to a delicious selection of international cuisine and a luxurious shopping experience in Via Riyadh, followed by a fun afternoon of games, virtual reality experiences and quality family time at Riyadh City Boulevard."
Fresh photos reveal why Lionel Messi’s Saudi Arabia trip landed him in PSG hot water
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New photos have been released of Lionel Messi and his family from their brief holiday in Saudi Arabia.
PSG players were supposed to be off on Monday, but following their 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, head coach Christophe Galtier called the squad in for training instead.
Messi who has since tendered an apology to the club on Friday over his Saudi trip stated that he was unaware training would still hold ahead of his trip to the Middle East.
However, the Saudi Tourism Authority has released new photos of Messi and his family, hours after news of his suspension.
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Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo, alongside their sons Mateo and Ciro were pictured on a guided tour of the town of Diriyah, the original home of the Saudi royal family.
The Messi family were also taken to the city of At-Turaif, on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh, with photos showing the family at the Arabian Horse Museum.
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Messi was also seen posing with a white falcon resting on his arm, while also enjoying quality time with his wife and children.
The Saudi Tourism Authority added that the Messi family had visited the AlUla nature reserve, where he was seen feeding gazelles with Mateo and Ciro.
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Messi’s Saudi Arabia trip also saw his family visit Riyadh’s entertainment and retail districts.
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Messi’s relationship with the Middle Eastern country is part of its partnership for the promotion of tourism in Saudi Arabia for which the Argentine captain earns €30 million.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s suspension now means he will miss PSG’s match away at Troyes on Sunday, May 7, before they play hosts to Ajaccio the following week.
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