AGENCIES

The relationship between Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain has soured in the past few days, with reports in France suggesting that the World Cup-winning Argentine is all set to leave the Parisians.

PSG, who are out of the Champions League and the French League Cup, have five games in Ligue 1 left this season but it seems Messi may have already played his last game for the Parisians when he featured in their 3-1 defeat to Lorient at home last Sunday.

Following the damning defeat, Messi hopped on a plane to fulfil his ambassadorial duties in Saudi Arabia. However, it has since been revealed that the trip was unauthorised by PSG’s higher-ups including coach Christophe Galtier and PSG’s football advisor Luis Campos.

PSG cancelled their pencilled-in day off on Monday following their defeat, as it is the norm in the club to cancel a day off the day after a match if it is not won.

Although the Ligue 1 leaders have not made any statement, reports in France claimed that Messi was suspended for two weeks for his actions. It has also been reported that he has been banished from training and will have his wages for the period docked.

PSG were also forced to order extra security at the club’s training ground and at the homes of Lionel Messi and Neymar after protests by fans angry over recent results.

Messi, who is out of contract with PSG at the end of the season, has now been linked to several clubs, including a return to Barcelona.

It was also reported that Messi has received a huge offer of more than £350m a year from the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, which would exceed even the £165 million that his long-time nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo is being paid annually.