Lionel Messi is one of the most famous soccer players in the world, know why did he visit Saudi Arabia as the tourism ambassador
He recently went to Saudi Arabia which surprised and upset some of his friends and fans at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
A report from L’Equipe says that Messi’s trip to Riyadh after PSG’s loss to Lorient was not well accepted by some players.
PSG players upset as Lionel Messi misses training session to promote tourism as ambassador in Saudi Arabia
The report says that after the Ligue 1 game, PSG players were meant to have two days off. But because the loss came as a surprise, PSG coach Christophe Galtier chose to hold a practise the next day. Messi was in Saudi Arabia pushing tourism in the area while the rest of the team was at the practise.
Lionel Messi gets a pass for disrespecting PSG by going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and missing training.
Cristiano Ronaldo got ridiculous hate for missing pre-season because his daughter was sick in the hospital.
The double standards. Story of their careers. pic.twitter.com/s6VjFCmq1Z
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) May 2, 2023
Messi’s absence has apparently upset some of the players, and fans haven’t been happy about it either. Marseille is only five points behind PSG in second place, so PSG is still in the running for the French title. The team doesn’t want people to think that the players are going on vacation while they are still trying to win the league.
When Lionel Messi’s move to PSG was announced in August 2021, it was seen as a big win for the French club. Before signing a two-year deal with PSG, the Argentinian star had spent his whole career as a professional player at Barcelona. Messi has been in good shape since he moved to Paris. He has scored nine goals in 20 games for the club.
Amid PSG’s title hopes, Lionel Messi’s commitment to the club questioned
But PSG’s recent play has been all over the place. In their last two games, they lost to Lorient and tied with Rennes. Right now, the club is under a lot of pressure to do well in its final games and win the Ligue 1 title.
Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia has made people wonder how committed he is to the club and if he is putting his personal tasks ahead of his footballing ones. But it’s important to note that Messi’s trip was planned before the game against Lorient, and the club gave him leave to go.
Lionel Messi went to Saudi Arabia as an ambassador for the Qiddiya project, which is building a new entertainment and sports centre in the country. A Formula 1 track, a Six Flags theme park, and a golf course are all planned to be part of the complex.
Even though Messi’s promotional trip didn’t break any rules or laws, some PSG players and fans think it was a bad idea. They think he should have cared more about the club, especially when PSG’s chances of winning the title are on the line.
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