Lionel Messi back in PSG training following apology for Saudi Arabia trip

Lionel Messi is back in training with Paris Saint-Germain, the Ligue 1 club announced on Monday, after being suspended for missing a training session due to a trip to Saudi Arabia. According to French media, Messi was suspended for two weeks following an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia the day after the Ligue 1 leaders' 3-1 defeat to Lorient last month.

Messi, who apologised to PSG and his teammates on Friday, was left out of the squad for Sunday's 3-1 win over Troyes. PSG posted a picture of Messi training on social media, along with the caption: "The Argentinian striker from Paris Saint-Germain was back in training on Monday 8 May."

With four rounds of games remaining this season, PSG leads Lens by six points and Olympique de Marseille by eight. The 35-year-old had skipped last Monday's training session, which had not been



cancelled due to the defeat to Lorient the day before, in order to fulfill his duties as the Gulf state's tourism ambassador. The suspension reportedly included training and matchdays, and his pay would be docked for the entire two weeks.

Messi's future at PSG has recently been the subject of much speculation. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is said to have an offer from Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal reportedly looking to entice him with former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, as well as Marco Verratti. A move to Inter Miami and a return to Barcelona are also possibilities.

Last year, the oil-rich country named Messi its tourism ambassador, and he will visit Jeddah in May 2022. He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars, where he was pitted against long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.