Lionel Messi is facing a tumultuous period at Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentine had to finally come out and apologize for his actions. He made an unauthorized visit to Saudi Arabia. For the visit, Messi missed training at his club. The club officials were not happy with Messi’s actions. Reportedly, Messi received a two-week suspension for disciplinary issues.
Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 #Messi
“I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn’t cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”.
“I apologize to my teammates and I’m waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2023
The Argentine World Cup-winning captain went on Instagram Live to apologize to the club and to his teammates. In his apology video, where Messi was suited up, he said, “Hello, well, I wanted to make this video after everything that is happening.
First of all, I apologize to my teammates, to the club. Honestly, I thought we were going to have a day off after the game, as had been happening in previous weeks.
I had this trip to Arabia organized and I couldn’t cancel it, I had already canceled it before.
I repeat again and apologize for what I did. Here I am, waiting for what the club decides.”
🚨 Paris Saint-Germain have decided to suspend Lionel Messi with immediate effect for two weeks, sources confirm.
The suspension will take place now after Messi’s trip to Saudi NOT authorized by the club as per @RMCSport.
Messi side, still waiting on official communication. pic.twitter.com/j223WK2r5Z
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 2, 2023
Reports suggest that Messi is set to miss league games against Troyes and Ajaccio due to his suspension. In his video, he stated that he awaits whatever decision the club will take. Apart from the reported two-week suspension that has not been confirmed yet, can Messi face more sanctions? Let’s find out what Messi exactly did to earn these punishments.
Lionel Messi visited Saudi Arabia without getting approval from PSG
After another disappointing result last weekend, Messi did not hang about in France and hopped on a plane to visit Saudi Arabia. Messi was fresh out of playing 90 minutes in a 1-3 defeat to Lorient at home. He did not stay in Paris and left for the Middle East for a trip that is apparently a part of his commitments to the nation of Saudi Arabia as an ambassador as they bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
According to L’Equipe, PSG manager Christoph Galtier, and advisor Luis Ocampos opposed the trip. However, as Messi stated in his apology, he apparently could not cancel.
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On his Instagram, he posted about Saudi Arabia. It said, “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can.”
According to Goal, The Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, responded by saying: “I am happy to welcome Saudi Tourism Ambassador Lionel Messi and his family on his second vacation in Saudi. We are happy to share our authentic Saudi welcome with you all #WelcomeMessi.”
Messi missed training as he was enjoying his visit to Saudi Arabia. It should be noted that Messi has also reportedly received a huge offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. He could earn even more than his rival Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Messi’s contract expires in the summer and there is no still certain news about where he will be playing next season.
