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Lionel Messi's future with PSG is wobbly. Fans are not enthusiastic about him, he doesn't look particularly thrilled about being there and talks regarding a possible return to FC Barcelona are gaining momentum. And then – on top of that – you have an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia that is angering PSG teammates and the sporting hierarchy at the club.
Lionel Messi trip to Saudi Arabia
Messi is Saudi Arabia's tourism ambassador – or, as critics point out, a sportswashing face for the not-so-great human rights record in the Kingdom – and in his role, took his family on a sort of business vacay after PSG's 3-1 defeat vs. Lorient last weekend.
According to the newspaper L'Equipe, initially, PSG players would have enjoyed two days off in case of a win against Lorient. However, coach Christophe Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos canceled the prerogative after the defeat.
Messi didn't comply.
After rescheduling the trip two times in the past and having it all set up for this week, Messi decided to skip Galtier and Campos' orders and, after a talk to PSG's Qatari owners, took his plane right to the Gulf State.
The report said other PSG stars were unhappy with Messi's trip, pointing out that it was not the best timing.
Regardless, images of Messi in an oasis and the old city of Diriyah, published by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, show that he was not too worried about it.
I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality. #WelcomeMessi pic.twitter.com/QQGdnAqQ08— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
#أهلاً_ميسي في أرض العراقة وأصل التاريخ؛ الدرعية، في جولة سياحية ممتعة تضمنها تجارب متنوعة مع زوجته انتونيلا وأبنائه ماتيو وسيرو، حيث التقى بالشعب السعودي الكريم المضياف في حي الطريف. pic.twitter.com/YzPBcG8ltB
— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 2, 2023
Look at those smiles while they are being showered on petrodollars.
The Argentine also published a lazy, soulless photo on Instagram, teaching us that Saudi Arabia is not only dunes, but you can also find places of lush vegetation.
View this post on Instagram
"Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can," he wrote with the same effort he applies when pressing opponents.
Cool, but no thanks.
