L’Equipe react to Lionel Messi’s two-week SUSPENSION by PSG
‘La RUPTURE’: L’Equipe reacts to Lionel Messi’s two-week suspension following his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia…believing PSG has ‘set an example’ to the Argentine as part of ‘a new era with more demands, fewer privileges’
Paris Saint-Germain have “made an example” of Lionel Messi, with his suspension the sign of a “new era” where star players have “more demands and fewer privileges”.
That reports the French newspaper L’Equipewho published the news of Messi’s two-week suspension for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia on their front page this week.
Next to the headline ‘La Rupture’ was a photo of a pensive Messi and PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, with L’Equipe message that Messi’s time in Paris is coming to an end this summer.
World Cup winner Messi had pre-arranged the visit for one of his commercial commitments as a tourism ambassador there.
PSG players were supposed to have Monday off, but after their 3-1 defeat to Lorient on Sunday, manager Christophe Galtier called the side for training. However, Messi was already on his way to Saudi Arabia and could not go back.
L’Equipe’s front page on Wednesday focused on Lionel Messi’s unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia
Saudi tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb welcomed Messi to his trip by posting a message on Twitter
PSG coach Christophe Galtier (left) and sporting director Luis Campos (right) want a ‘new era’
“Who would have thought the story would end like this?” L’Equipe wrote.
‘Last summer, during the introduction of [Christophe] Galtier as a coach, he had pushed for the discipline he wanted to introduce with football consultant Luis Campos.
‘The duo wanted to embody a new era, with more demands and fewer privileges.
“PSG has been criticized for its weakness so often that PSG has set an example and sent the message that even its biggest star, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and recently crowned world champion, is not above the rules.”
Messi, who will miss the next two PSG matches, in Troyes this Sunday and against Ajaccio on Saturday 13 May, has been offered a new contract by PSG on the same financial terms, but doubts remain on his side about the sporting project.
In from L’Equipe Reports show that there is also doubt on the part of PSG whether their relationship with the Argentinian will continue after the summer.
They add that their decision to suspend Messi has caused an “explosion” that could have a “planetary impact”.
Those around Messi say the trip had previously been postponed twice and it was difficult to do it a third time at short notice.
Messi also shared a photo of his stay, claiming he was in awe of the kingdom’s landscapes
Messi played the full 90 minutes of PSG’s dismal 3-1 defeat to Lorient at the Parc des Princes
He signed a lucrative £25 million a year deal with Saudi Arabia to promote the kingdom as a tourism ambassador in May last year, with Messi making his first trip in the role when he visited Jeddah shortly afterwards.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb confirmed that Messi was in the kingdom for his trip when he tweeted on Monday: “I am delighted to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi Arabia to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences .
“We welcome visitors from all over the world to experience a unique journey to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.”
Messi also posted a photo to his Instagram of his stay with the caption, “Who thought Saudi Arabia has so much green? I love discovering the unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.’