Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has apologised for his ‘unauthorised’ trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi trip has led to his suspension by the French club.
Messi, in an apology video on social media, said: “First of all, I want to apologise to my team-mates and the club. Honestly, I thought we were going to have a day off after the game like we did in previous weeks.
“I had this trip organised, which I had cancelled already. I could not cancel it again. I repeat, I want to say sorry for what I did. I am waiting to hear what the club want to do with me.”
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Following his suspension, it was revealed on Wednesday that Messi will leave PSG at the end of the season, with the French champions not planning to offer the forward a new contract.
The Argentina international is understood to have asked PSG for permission to travel on a personal promotional trip to Saudi Arabia, which he did on Sunday night, having twice postponed a scheduled commercial trip due to team defeats.
However, Messi did not get that permission and was therefore suspended for two games and fined two weeks’ wages after a day of meetings between the club’s hierarchy.
The 35-year-old was pictured in Riyadh on Monday and advertised his presence in the country on his social media. Messi already serves as a tourism ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, but could return for the match against Auxerre on May 21.
Messi, who returned to Paris on Tuesday, posted on his Instagram in partnership with VisitSaudi a picture of a row of palm trees with the caption: “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”
The post was liked by more than five and a half million people.
Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal after leaving Barcelona due to their financial issues.
The 35-year-old has played 71 times for the French side, scoring 31 goals, recording 34 assists and lifting the title in 2022.
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