(Paris) Lionel Messi apologized to Paris Saint-Germain and his teammates on Friday after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia that led to his suspension.
In a short video posted on Instagram, Messi asked for forgiveness and linked the controversy to a misunderstanding over his schedule.
The Argentine striker missed the club’s training on Monday as he traveled to Saudi Arabia for a promotional trip. The following day, PSG announced that Messi was suspended.
Messi claimed he believed the team were off on Monday.
“Hi, I wanted to make this video to talk about what’s going on. First, I apologize to my teammates and the club. Honestly, I thought we had the day off, as we had in previous weeks. I had organized this trip to (Saudi Arabia), which I had already canceled, but could not cancel this time. Once again, I ask forgiveness for what I have done and I await the club’s decision,” Messi said.
Earlier on Friday, manager Christophe Galtier had indicated that the club and Messi would wait until his suspension was over to discuss his short-term future.
Messi’s contract is not expected to be extended and there are just five games left on PSG’s schedule this season.
Galtier was asked if he could count on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner after his suspension.
“We’ll see what happens when Leo is back,” Galtier said. There will be discussions with the whole club, but also with Leo, who is the person involved. »
The club have not confirmed the length of Messi’s suspension, but French media have reported that he will be sidelined for two weeks. He would therefore miss two games. PSG sit first in Ligue 1, five points ahead of Marseille.
Galtier said the team told him Messi was suspended and he declined to say if he supported the decision.
“I didn’t have to make the decision,” the coach said. I have been informed of the decision. »
