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Paris Saint-Germain reportedly opted not to extend Lionel Messi’s contract after learning about his unapproved travel to Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old travelled to the Middle East following PSG’s shock 3-1 loss to Lorient on Sunday. According to reports, Messi’s duties as the Gulf state’s tourist ambassador included travel.
Even though there was supposed to be training that day, it was revealed on Tuesday that the club had not given their approval. As a result, the Argentine received a two-week suspension without pay; nevertheless, L’Equipe is apparently demanding a much harsher punishment.
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It is now widely accepted that PSG will not renew Messi’s contract after the current season. Although it has been widely reported that the Argentine star’s current contract will expire this summer, the capital club did have the option to activate a provision for a third season.
Senior club officials apparently preferred to let Messi leave, but negotiations were still ongoing and a contract extension was still a possibility. Messi’s departure from Barcelona this summer appears to have been decided, nevertheless, as a result of the trip to Saudi Arabia.
Now that the current season is over, it is obvious that PSG will not renew Messi’s contract. The Argentine star’s current deal, as has been widely documented, is set to expire this summer; but, the capital club did have the option to activate a provision for a third season.
Senior club officials were said to be leaning towards letting Messi leave, but negotiations were still ongoing and a contract extension was still a possibility. The trip to Saudi Arabia now appears to have been the determining factor, and Messi’s departure this summer is set.