Messi booed by PSG fans on first game after suspension over Saudi trip

Lionel Messi was booed by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans on Saturday night after making his return from a two-week suspension.

Recall that the 35-year-old Argentine legend was punished by his club for making an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia last week. The trip to the Middle East, which was a pre-arranged commercial commitment, saw Messi miss training after PSG head coach Christophe Galtier hauled his side in on their day off following a chastening 3-1 loss against Lorient.

The match against Ajaccio on Saturday, May 13, saw both teams end up with 10 men after Thomas Mangani aimed a punch at Achraf Hakimi, who retaliated.

Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi gave PSG a comfortable lead at half-time and Kylian Mbappe got in on the act with a second-half brace at Parc des Princes. Mohamed Youssouf’s own goal compounded the visitors’ misery before Hakimi and Mangani were red-carded over a fight.

Ajaccio’s best chance came in the 67th minute when Mickael Barreto’s right-footed shot from outside the box just sailed over the bar.

Messi played the full 90 minutes during the match which ended 5-0. The PSG fans loudly jeered when Messi’s name was announced over the tannoy before the match. They also launched another verbal volley toward the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner when he first touched the ball.

The Argentine legend appeared subdued throughout the night despite playing his part in another handsome victory.

Messi’s name booed and whistled by PSG fans ???????? pic.twitter.com/LM3kONKATG

— PENGMAN SPORTS (@PGM_sports) May 13, 2023

Christophe Galtier’s PSG are just four points away from a record 11th French title. They are six points clear of second-placed Lens with three more fixtures remaining.

The two-year deal Messi signed with PSG after his shock exit from the Nou Camp back in 2021 is due to expire in the coming weeks, with no new agreement on the horizon.

He’s been tipped to follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s lead by moving to the Middle East, with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal firmly in the mix to acquire the sought-after megastar.