Messi will not train and play with the first team during his suspension and additionally, he will not be paid. PSG boss Christophe Galtier had told his players that they would have two days off, Monday and Tuesday if they beat Lorient on Sunday. However, a defeat would result in the players being called in for training on Monday. Messi, 35, asked if he would be allowed to travel to the Arab Gulf to honour his sponsorship deal as a Saudi ambassador, and Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos gave him the green light to go in the result of a win or draw, but not a defeat.

Following PSG's humbling 3-1 loss against Lorient, their third in four successive games, Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without requesting permission, meaning he could not attend the Monday training. Sources indicate that the situation created tension in the dressing room with some players not happy with the incident. The situation surrounding the World champion is further complicated by his ongoing negotiations over a contract extension. Lionel Messi's deal at Parc de Princess is due to expire at the end of this season. 

Barcelona are looking into the possibility of resigning Messi though that might be a tall order according to La Liga president Javier Tebas who warned that the league won't change its financial fair play rules to allow him to return. Messi is also on the radar of Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

(Image: Getty Images)