Messi apologizes to PSG for unapproved Saudi Arabia trip

PARIS: Lionel Messi apologized to Paris Saint-Germain and his teammates on Friday for going to Saudi Arabia on an unauthorized trip that resulted in his suspension. Messi posted a short video on Instagram to ask for forgiveness and chalk up the controversy to a scheduling misunderstanding. He missed practice on Monday while he was on a promotional trip to Saudi Arabia, and a day later the French club announced they suspended the World Cup winner.

Messi said he thought the team 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 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 said the club and Messi will wait until the end of his suspension to discuss how he finishes the season. Messi is not expected to extend his contract, and there are only five games remaining. Galtier was asked at a news conference if he’ll be able to count on Messi returning to the field after the suspension.

“We’ll see when Leo returns what will happen,” Galtier said. “Obviously, there will be discussions with the entire club but also with Leo, who is the primary person involved.” The club haven’t confirmed the length of the Argentina great’s suspension but French media reported it to be two weeks, which would mean he’d miss two games. PSG has a five-point lead over second-placed Marseille in Ligue 1.