PARIS: Lionel Messi has returned to training with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Monday, six days after being suspended for undertaking an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old Argentine, who captained his country to a World Cup victory, is expected to make his comeback in PSG’s upcoming home match against relegation-threatened Ajaccio on Saturday.
PSG announced Messi’s return to training via a tweet accompanied by a photo of him in action. The club currently holds a comfortable six-point lead over Lens in their quest to defend their Ligue 1 title, with just four matches remaining in the season.
Messi’s suspension came after he failed to report for training last Monday, opting instead to travel to Saudi Arabia without permission from the Qatari-owned club.
The trip was part of Messi’s contractual obligations with the country’s tourist office. Following the suspension, Messi took to Instagram to post a video apology to his massive following of 458 million followers.
Messi regrets his actions
In his apology, Messi explained that he had previously cancelled the trip to Saudi Arabia but was unable to do so this time. He expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged that he would await the club’s decision on the matter.
The incident has raised doubts about Messi’s future at PSG beyond the current season, as his two-year contract with the club is set to expire.
While Messi’s return to training suggests that he will be available for the upcoming match against Ajaccio, speculation continues regarding his long-term plans.
As one of the most celebrated football players in history, Messi’s presence at PSG has brought immense attention to the club.
However, the unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia has strained his relationship with the team and further fueled speculation about his next destination.
As the season nears its climax, all eyes will be on Messi as he resumes training with PSG, and fans eagerly await his potential impact in the crucial upcoming match.
The question of whether Messi will extend his stay at PSG or seek a new challenge elsewhere remains a topic of intense speculation and intrigue among football enthusiasts worldwide.
