Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Photo: Saudi Ministry of Tourism / Handout via Reuters
Lionel Messi apologized to Paris Saint Germain and his team-mates after what happened on 5 May Suspended for traveling to Saudi Arabia earlier this week and is missing a training session as a result.
French media reported Messi was suspended for two weeks following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, when he was supposed to train with the team the day after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Ligue 1 leaders Lorient. Was.
Messi said in a video on Instagram, “I was absolutely sure that after the game I would have a holiday as it has been in the past weeks. I organized this trip and I could not cancel it, I It was already cancelled.” ,
The Argentine forward said, “I apologize to my team-mates and I am waiting for what the club wants to do with me.”
PSG boss Christophe Gaultier said earlier on Friday that he had nothing to do with the club’s decision to suspend Messi, who is set to miss the next two matches at Troyes and at home to Ajaccio as they look to make their Ligue 1 debut. want to maintain its lead.
“We’ll see when Leo comes back, we’ll see what happens. Obviously there will be discussions with the whole club, but also with Leo,” Gaultier told a press conference.
PSG are five points ahead of Olympique de Marseille with five matches left in the season.
Messi has received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, a source close to the Argentina captain told Reuters, adding that a contract renewal at PSG is not on the cards for the World Cup winner next month. Will be 36 years old.
The oil-rich nation last year appointed Messi as its tourism ambassador and he is slated to visit Jeddah in May 2022.
He returned in January to play in a friendly with PSG against a team of Saudi league stars, when he was faced with great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Hilal coach Ramon Diaz, however, has played down claims the Saudi club are attempting to sign Messi as they focus on their clash with Urawa Red Diamonds in the second leg of the Asian Champions League final. .