Lionel Messi, the forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has made his first public statement since the club suspended him for an illegal trip to Saudi Arabia.The Parisians handed Messi a suspension of two weeks after he traveled to Saudi Arabia with his family this past week. His choice to do so has prompted mass reaction at the Parc des Rulers.
By sharing a video on his Instagram story, the Argentine icon has now made his first public statement regarding his suspension. Messi, wearing a suit, states:After the game, I thought we would take a day off like we always do. I couldn’t cancel this trip because I had planned it. I had previously canceled it. I am sorry to my colleagues and I’m sitting tight for how the club needs to manage me.
Lionel Messi made the outing to the Center Eastern country simply a day after PSG’s 3-1 loss to Lorient on Sunday (April 30). That game’s entire 90 minutes were played by the legendary forward.Parisian ultras were angered by Messi’s moves and made to the club’s central command in fight. This occurs as the Argentine makes the decision to leave the club at the conclusion of the season.
The former Barcelona attacker, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, has decided to leave the French giants and will not be signing a new contract. He will become a free agent after the summer expires on his current contract.
Regarding Lionel Messi’s suspension, PSG coach Christophe Galtier says:
Lionel Messi won’t be able to play for PSG against Troyes on May 7 and Ajaccio on May 13 because of his two-week suspension. Beyond that point, it remains to be seen how the Argentine is integrated back into the team.
In his press conference prior to his team’s match with Troyes, Parisian manager Christophe Galtier discussed this. He stated, through RMC Sport:
After this suspension, Leo Messi will return. We won’t know when he will return or what will happen. Naturally, there will be discussions with the entire club, but Leo will be the first to be concerned.
Before receiving his suspension, Lionel Messi had scored 20 goals and assisted on 19 others in 37 games across all competitions. After his contract with Barcelona expired in 2021, he became a free agent and joined PSG.
Be that as it may, Messi has not appeared to be excessively happy with life in the French capital since taking the action. He admitted to TyC Sports in May 2022 that it was challenging for him to adjust to his new environment after he struggled in his first season.