Previously, the "team newspaper" reported that Messi's trip to Saudi Arabia was not approved by the club, and his absence from Monday's training in Paris also caused great controversy, and today, French media RMC revealed some details behind it.
On Monday, the day after the Paris defeat to Lorient, Messi appeared at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport as part of his contract as Saudi tourism ambassador.
This is part of Messi's endorsement contract with Saudi Arabia, he receives 30 million euros per year endorsement fee, and at least 1 Saudi Arabia fulfills the contract every year, otherwise it is a breach of contract.
According to the plan, Messi was going to Riyadh in March. At that time, the Saudi Minister of Tourism tweeted on social media, announcing that Messi would go to Saudi Arabia in March, but after being eliminated by Bayern in the 1/8 final of the Champions League, Messi decided to postpone his trip to Saudi Arabia.
On Monday, other players in Paris were called into a training session, with some teammates surprised by Messi's absence, as was coach Galje and sporting director Campos.
RMC revealed that Messi's departure to Saudi Arabia did not receive formal consent from the club. RMC said Messi's trip to Saudi Arabia was a "misunderstanding" between the two sides and that Messi had already embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia when the holiday was cancelled after the Paris loss.
Messi will not be penalized by the team for this trip to Saudi Arabia, and he will return to Paris today (Tuesday local time) and train tomorrow morning (Wednesday local time).