Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has apologized following his suspension related to an unauthorized midweek trip to Saudi Arabia.
“First of all, I want to apologize to my teammates and the club,” Messi said in a brief video shared on his Instagram story on Friday, per Sky Sports News. “Honestly, I thought we were going to have a day off after the game like we did in previous weeks. I had this trip organized, which I had canceled 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 wants to do with me.”
It’s been reported that Messi received a two-week suspension without pay because he was only permitted to travel for his duties related to serving as a Saudi tourism ambassador if Paris Saint-Germain earned a win or a draw against Lorient last Sunday. Messi nevertheless completed the trip after Lorient beat PSG 3-1.
Multiple subsequent reports have claimed that both Messi and PSG have decided to end their relationship once his two-year contract expires at the end of the season. The 35-year-old reportedly could earn roughly $400M annually if he joins the Saudi Pro League this summer but allegedly views returning to Barcelona as a “dream” scenario if both sides can make the money work and if Messi is willing to accept a massive reduction in pay, if only for one season.
Messi potentially could feature for Barcelona until next year’s Copa America and then join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
Interestingly, PSG manager Christophe Galtier told reporters earlier on Friday that he had no role in punishing Messi.
“I was informed by the board at the start of the week of the decision to suspend Messi,” Galtier remarked, according to Reuters (h/t ESPN). “When I was informed, I had the responsibility of not commenting on it. I’m employed by the club, and that is my role… The decision was nothing to do with me. I was informed of the decision.”
Credit Galtier for attempting to distance himself from what world football transfer insider Fabrizio Romano referred to as “the final breaking point” regarding Messi’s PSG tenure, but it seems the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has already decided to leave the French giants as soon as contractually possible.
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