Paris Saint-Germain's relationship with Lionel Messi is set to end after two underwhelming years following the French champions' decision to suspend the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner for going on an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.

Greeted as a hero by adoring supporters when he arrived in Paris from Barcelona in August 2021, Messi was supposed to be the man to deliver PSG's elusive Champions League success.

It has not worked out and some of those fans had recently turned against a player they see as a symbol of all the club have done wrong in focusing on superstar signings while failing to build a genuinely competitive team.

Having at one point looked set to secure Messi's signature for another season, the Qatar-owned club briefed a month ago that the player was now "much more likely" to depart at the campaign's end when his contract expires.

This week's events are surely the final straw. Messi, who will be 36 in June, played in PSG's insipid 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. He then traveled to Saudi Arabia to fulfill commitments as part of a contract with the country's tourist office. As a result, Messi missed a training session penciled in for Monday following the weekend defeat. PSG acted swiftly to punish Messi, despite his status as one of the sport's greats. He has been suspended even though PSG still needs points to retain the French title with five matches left this season. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina's World Cup winning captain would be sidelined for "several days".

Paris Saint-Germain's relationship with Lionel Messi is set to end after two underwhelming years following the French champions' decision to suspend the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner for going on an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.

Greeted as a hero by adoring supporters when he arrived in Paris from Barcelona in August 2021, Messi was supposed to be the man to deliver PSG's elusive Champions League success.

It has not worked out and some of those fans had recently turned against a player they see as a symbol of all the club have done wrong in focusing on superstar signings while failing to build a genuinely competitive team.

Having at one point looked set to secure Messi's signature for another season, the Qatar-owned club briefed a month ago that the player was now "much more likely" to depart at the campaign's end when his contract expires.

This week's events are surely the final straw. Messi, who will be 36 in June, played in PSG's insipid 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. He then traveled to Saudi Arabia to fulfill commitments as part of a contract with the country's tourist office. As a result, Messi missed a training session penciled in for Monday following the weekend defeat. PSG acted swiftly to punish Messi, despite his status as one of the sport's greats. He has been suspended even though PSG still needs points to retain the French title with five matches left this season. 

Although the newspapers in France have reported that Messi's suspension would prevail for two weeks a source close to the club's disciplinary committee informed AFP that Argentina's World Cup winning captain would be sidelined for "several days".

"He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place," the source added. Hours later the Saudi tourist board issued a press release to celebrate Messi's visit and detail his "jam-packed itinerary" which included feeding a herd of gazelles.

"Messi's visit to Saudi was packed with exciting activities, with something for everyone in the family," it said. Meanwhile, his teammates were back on the training ground in Paris after suffering a sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 matches in 2023.

Is Barcelona-return possible?

That Messi should miss training to fly instead to Saudi Arabia could be seen as especially embarrassing for PSG's owners given recent frictions between Qatar and its Gulf neighbour.

Saudi Arabia imposed a diplomatic blockade on Qatar in 2017 along with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain, although a reconciliation accord was sealed in January 2021 and the countries have since renewed relations. Messi scored just 11 goals in a difficult first season in Paris as he digested his departure from Barcelona.

He has contributed 20 in all competitions this season and is also the leading assist provider in Ligue 1. Messi has developed a good understanding with Mbappe but there have only been glimpses of him at his very best. PSG's chances of winning the Champions League will not be diminished by losing Messi, but it remains to be seen where the player himself goes next.

Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to bring him back, yet the Catalans' ongoing financial issues cast doubt on their ability to make a deal happen.

There are no other obvious options available to Messi in Europe, meaning he may have to consider a move elsewhere.

Other Probable Destination

MLS outfit Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham has long been considered a possible destination for Messi. Another is Saudi Arabia, where he could renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently moved to Riyadh side Al Nasser.

"He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place," the source added. Hours later the Saudi tourist board issued a press release to celebrate Messi's visit and detail his "jam-packed itinerary" which included feeding a herd of gazelles.

"Messi's visit to Saudi was packed with exciting activities, with something for everyone in the family," it said. Meanwhile, his teammates were back on the training ground in Paris after suffering a sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 matches in 2023.

There are no other obvious options available to Messi in Europe, meaning he may have to consider a move elsewhere.