Lionel Messi has apologized to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and his teammates after being suspended for two weeks for making an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia and missing a training session. French media reported that Messi was supposed to train with the squad the day after PSG's 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient on Sunday, but he went to Saudi Arabia instead. PSG boss Christophe Galtier said that he had nothing to do with the club's decision to suspend Messi, and they would discuss the matter when he returns.
In a video on Instagram, Messi said that he believed he would have the day off after the game, as had been happening in previous weeks. He had already cancelled the trip before but had to reorganize it. Messi apologized to his teammates and said that he was waiting for the club to decide what to do with him.
PSG is five points clear of Olympique de Marseille with five matches left in the season. Messi is set to miss the next two games against Troyes and home to Ajaccio as PSG looks to keep their Ligue 1 lead intact. However, PSG's decision to suspend Messi has fueled speculation about his future at the club.
According to a source close to Argentina's captain, Messi has received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, and a contract renewal at PSG is not on the cards for the World Cup winner who turns 36 next month. The oil-rich nation appointed Messi as its tourism ambassador last year, and he visited Jeddah in May 2022. He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, where he faced his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Al Hilal coach Ramon Diaz refused to comment on claims that the Saudi club is attempting to sign Messi. He said that their focus is on their clash with Urawa Red Diamonds in the second leg of the Asian Champions League final. The situation with Messi's future at PSG remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen where he will play next season.