Messi booed by PSG fans in first match since Saudi trip with team-mate admitting ‘it hurts’ amid Barcelona transfer talk
LIONEL MESSI was booed by Paris Saint-Germain fans in his first match back since his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentine legend missed training to visit the Middle East with his family.
Messi was then slapped with a suspension by PSG for the unauthorised trip – although they later backed down.
In his first game back after the incident, the 35-year-old was jeered and whistled by some of the team’s supporters in their 5-0 win over Ajaccio.
Team-mate Danilo Pereira was left saddened by the fans’ reaction, saying: “The context is hard, it hurts to see a teammate being whistled.
“If we have to whistle, we have to whistle the whole team.”
Messi travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commercial work as he’s an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.
Since agreeing the £25million deal last year, he had only been to the nation once.
Messi’s contract at PSG ends this summer and despite the club having the option to renew it for one-year, he reportedly wants to leave and club are understood to be happy for him to go.
He has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent 21 years, winning ten LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The Catalan giants are keen to bring him back due to the financial boost he can offer the club as they aim to balance the books amid cash difficulties.
However, Barca must reduce their wage bill and Messi may have to take a huge pay cut to re-join his former side.
He has also been linked with a lucrative move to a club in Saudi Arabia.