Messi offered $400 million Saudi deal, PSG will not renew contract

Paris St Germain forward Lionel Messi will not have his contract renewed at the club following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, French sports daily L'Equipe reported on Tuesday.

Messi signed an optional third-season clause in his contract when he first arrived in 2021. Club officials have decided not to activate it, the report said.

The 35-year-old was suspended for two weeks on Tuesday, L'Equipe added, as he was supposed to practice with his team following a 3-1 defeat at home against Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday but instead flew to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension.

PSG are top of the standings with 75 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of second-placed Olympique de Marseille.

It's being reported that Messi is in talks with Saudi Arabia, regarding a $400 million contract to play in the Saudi Pro League. The move would be around twice that offered to Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi club Al Nassr earlier this year.