PARIS — Lionel Messi apologized to Paris Saint-Germain and his teammates on Friday for going to Saudi Arabia on an unauthorized journey that resulted in his suspension.
Messi posted a brief video on Instagram to express regret and chalk up the controversy to a scheduling misunderstanding.
He missed apply on Monday whereas he was on a promotional journey to Saudi Arabia, and a day later the French membership introduced it suspended the World Cup winner.
Messi mentioned he thought the crew had Monday off.
“Hello, I wanted to make this video about what is happening. First of all, ask for forgiveness from my teammates and the club. Honestly, I thought we were going to have an off day as it had been the case in the weeks prior. I had this trip to (Saudi) Arabia organized, which I had canceled before, and this time I couldn’t cancel. Again, ask for forgiveness from what I did and I will be waiting for whatever the club decides. Hugs.”
Earlier on Friday, coach Christophe Galtier mentioned the membership and Messi will wait till the tip of his suspension to debate how he finishes the season.
Messi shouldn’t be anticipated to increase his contract, and there are solely 5 video games remaining.
Galtier was requested at a information convention if he’ll be capable to depend on Messi returning to the sphere after the suspension.
“We’ll see when Leo returns what will happen,” Galtier mentioned. “Obviously, there will be discussions with the entire club but also with Leo, who is the primary person involved.”
The membership hasn’t confirmed the size of the Argentina nice’s suspension however French media reported it to be two weeks, which might imply he’d miss two video games. PSG has a five-point lead over second-placed Marseille in Ligue 1.
Galtier mentioned the membership instructed him that Messi was suspended, and he declined to say if he endorsed the choice.
“I did not have to make the decision,” the coach mentioned. “I was informed of the decision.”
Messi joined PSG in 2021 after profitable each main honor with Barcelona. The Catalan membership that Messi known as house from the age of 13 couldn’t afford to maintain him due to massive money owed and Spanish league monetary laws.
The French membership and its followers hoped Messi’s arrival would end in an elusive Champions League title. Instead, the Qatari-backed membership was eradicated within the spherical of 16 in consecutive seasons.
Messi was welcomed into Paris with a police escort. His exit is bound to be much less superb. Reports have linked Messi to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, a return to Barcelona, and a profitable transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Some PSG followers are additionally urging ahead Neymar to go away the membership.
For Galtier, although, followers crossed the road once they protested exterior the Brazil worldwide’s residence this week.
“Private life must remain private,” he mentioned. “I can understand the anger, the disappointment of our fans. I can understand protesting here at our workplace, in front of PSG’s headquarters, after a match at Parc des Princes.”
But going to non-public properties is “out of control and dangerous,” he mentioned.
Neymar had season-ending surgical procedure on his proper ankle in March.
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