May 05, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain’s star player, has issued a public apology to the club, following his unapproved visit to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentine was suspended and fined by the Ligue 1 leaders for travelling to the Middle East country without permission. Messi was in Riyadh on Monday, the day after his team was defeated by Lorient.
The 35-year-old is an ambassador for the Saudi Tourism Authority, and he claims that he had to make the trip for contractual reasons, having previously cancelled it. Messi thought he had a day off, but his sudden departure from France raised eyebrows. The issue has highlighted an apparent rift between the World Cup winner and PSG, with rumors circulating that he could be leaving the club this summer.
In an Instagram video, Messi said, “First of all, I want to say sorry to my team-mates and to the club. I honestly thought that we were going to be free after the game, as had been the case in previous weeks. I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia, which had been cancelled previously and this time I couldn’t. I apologise again and I’m here for whatever the club decides. All the best.”
The news has sparked rumours about his future, with reports linking him to a potential move to Saudi Arabia or the United States.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
