Lionel Messi has staged a grovelling apology to his Paris Saint-Germain teammates after being hit with a brutal suspension.
Thr Argentine superstar was handed a massive fine and also a club ban for making an unsanctioned, mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia. His teammates were reported to be left shocked in the aftermath of seeing Messi trip's - particularly after being left reeling after a league defeat to Lorient.
Messi's reason for the trip was to fulfill his role as an ambassador for the Middle East nation. He did not seek permission from the club, and they have now since decided to take action.
Taking to Instagram with a video address in the aftermath of his ban, he said: "I thought we had a day off after the game. I had organised this trip and I could not cancel it. I had cancelled it before. I apologise to my teammates and I am waiting for what the club wants to do with me."
Messi actions have further soured his relationship with PSG supporters. Fans took part in protests against the forward outside of the club's Paris headquarters.
PSG boss Christophe Galtier has already suggested that talks will be held between Messi and the club. Speaking in a press conference, the Frenchman said: “We'll see when Leo returns what will happen. Obviously, there will be discussions with the entire club but also with Leo, who is the primary person involved.”
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He also revealed that the decision to suspend the former Barcelona star was not his. “I did not have to make the decision," Galtier added. "I was informed of the decision.”
Messi's future is now up in the air as he attempts to decide on his future. Mirror Football revealed that he was set to leave PSG at the end of his contract.
Barcelona have regularly been linked with a move although an emotional reunion is yet to come to fruition. Recent reports have also suggested that he was in talks regarding a record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
It was suggested that a £320m per year deal was on offer to him - a contract that would see Messi earn over twice as much as long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The forward initially joined French giants PSG back in the summer of 2021 after his initial Barcelona exit.
Since then, the 35-year-old has made 71 appearances and scored 31 goals. In his time in France, he lifted Ligue 1 and looks set to add another domestic crown to his haul this summer.
PSG face a further five league games between the end of the campaign and it remains to be seen whether Messi appears in any of them.
