How Lionel Messi Suspension Ushered New Era at PSG, Report Says

The departure of Lionel Messi marked a turning point in which Paris Saint-Germain began ushering in a new era. Many big-name players departed shortly after the Argentine. However, the shift in direction began before Messi and other players exited.

Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner left, he was suspended two weeks after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia in May 2023. Le Journal du Dimanche shared comments from a source close to the club regarding the situation that became a snowball effect. 

Messi was one of the first stars to incur the wrath of PSG. According to a source close to the matter, this punishment marked a turning point in the recent history of the Parisian club.

“The day Lionel Messi was sanctioned for missing a training session marked a turning point,” the source told the French media outlet (h/t Le10Sport). “It lifted a sort of taboo regarding the impunity of star players and allowed the start of a new cycle, one that is healthier and more in line with PSG’s status.”

The Argentine would be one of many players to leave; Sergio Ramos, Neymar Jr., and Marco Verratti were among the names to go. PSG will change its transfer policy as the capital club aims to secure young talent eager to prove itself.