Lionel Messi ‘skips training to fly to Saudi Arabia without permission from PSG ahead of summer transfer saga’

LIONEL MESSI skipped PSG training on Monday to jet out to Saudi Arabia, according to reports.

The forward works as an ambassador for the country's tourism board.

He agreed a £25million deal to promote Saudi Arabia last May but had only visited once prior to this week.

Now Messi has flown out to the Middle East without getting approval from PSG manager Christophe Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos, according to .

The PSG squad was initially only expected back in for training on Tuesday, but the unexpected 3-1 to Lorient on Sunday meant a training session was called for Monday.

However Messi had already organised his trip to Riyadh and got permission from the club's Qatari board to fly out after previously having to postpone two planned visits.

Messi, 35, shared a snap of his trip to Saudi Arabia on Instagram alongside a caption that reads: "Who thought Saudi has so much green?

"I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi."

Messi's PSG future is up in the air with his contract set to expire in the summer.

And he recently took another surprise trip, to Barcelona, amid speculation he could return to the Nou Camp.

BETTING SPECIAL - BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS

He helped to fuel rumours of a switch to Barca by having dinner with former team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Barcelona chiefs have confirmed they are interested in signing the World Cup winner but first need to trim their wage bill.