Lionel Messi, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward, has issued an apology for his “unauthorized” trip to Saudi Arabia, which has resulted in his suspension by the French club.
In a video posted on social media, Messi expressed regret, explaining that he believed he had a day off following the team’s recent Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient. He acknowledged his mistake and expressed his willingness to comply with the club’s decision regarding his future. The 35-year-old is now awaiting PSG’s response to determine the next steps.
After the suspension was announced, it was revealed that Messi would be leaving PSG at the end of the season, as the club has decided not to offer him a new contract. It has been reported that Messi had requested permission from PSG to travel to Saudi Arabia for a personal promotional trip.
Despite having postponed a scheduled commercial trip on two occasions due to team defeats, he did not receive permission for this particular trip, leading to his suspension for two games and a two-week wage fine.
Photographs of Messi in Riyadh surfaced on Monday, where he promoted his presence in the country through his social media channels. It’s important to note that Messi already serves as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia. PSG’s response to the incident indicates a new policy driven by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, emphasizing that no individual is bigger than the club, and consistent rules apply to everyone.
As a result of the suspension, Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio but could potentially return for the match against Auxerre on May 21. He has since returned to Paris and shared a post on Instagram in partnership with VisitSaudi, showcasing a picturesque view of palm trees and expressing his appreciation for the unexpected beauty of Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, is interested in signing Messi once his contract with PSG expires. The club, backed by the country, is reportedly prepared to offer an astronomical £400 million for just one season to market a league that would feature both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as capitalize on the popularity surrounding the 2022 World Cup.
PSG’s willingness to listen to offers for Neymar this summer has also been revealed. The Brazilian forward’s future at the club is uncertain, and PSG is open to considering potential transfers. The club’s focus is shifting away from a “bling-bling” culture, aiming to build a team with young, humble, and ambitious French players, similar to the successful French national team that won the World Cup.
The situation surrounding Messi’s departure from PSG and Neymar’s potential exit demonstrates a significant shift in the club’s approach. While the Messi-PSG partnership initially seemed promising, with hopes of winning the Champions League, it has not materialized as anticipated. The end of their association is marked by controversy and dissatisfaction, with PSG fans expressing their discontent and the club moving towards a new direction.
