Lionel Messi Breaks Silence As He Apologises For Saudi Trip That Led To His Suspension.{Watch Video}

Lionel Messi has rendered an apology to his teammates after missing a training session when he left for Saudi Arabia without the club permission after the last Sunday's 3-1 home Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient and is now "waiting to hear" from the club over his future.

He travelled to the Arab country in order fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country’s tourist office.

Paris Saint-Germain had suspended the Argentine star following his return on Tuesday, for two weeks and fined two weeks' wages after a day of meetings between the club's hierarchy.   

Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, but could return for the match against Auxerre on May 21.

The 35-year-old was pictured in Riyadh on Monday and advertised his presence in the country on his social media. Messi already serves as a tourism ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Tourism minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb tweeted a welcome to Messi on Monday as well as posting pictures of the Argentina World Cup winner.

"I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences," Al-Khateeb tweeted. "We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality."

#WelcomeMessi to Diriyah, the land of traditions, heritage and history. Leo Messi, his wife Antonella and his sons Mateo and Ciro had an enjoyable tour where they learned about the history of Saudi and met its generous and hospitable people in At-Turaif. pic.twitter.com/vna7y63m2u

— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 2, 2023

Messi has now broken the silence, as he explains the situation.

"First of all, I want to apologise to my team-mates and the club. Honestly, I thought we were going to have a day off after the game like we did in previous weeks.

"I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it earlier, he says in a video clip according to Fabrizio Romano.

"I apologize to my teammates for what I did, and I am waiting for what the club wants to do with me, Messi added.

Leo Messi statement 🚨🇦🇷 #Messi

“I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organized and I couldn't cancel it. I had already canceled it before…”.

“I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me”. pic.twitter.com/GBuarEgwSl

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2023

Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal after leaving Barcelona due to their financial issues, and has played 71 times for the French side, scoring 31 goals, recording 34 assists and lifting the title in 2022.

He will, according to several media, leave PSG after the season, with the French champions not planning to offer the forward a new contract.

Barcelona are singled out as favorites in the hunt for the seven time Ballon d'Or winner. 

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal also wants to sign Messi this summer when his contract at PSG runs out and, with the backing of the country, are prepared to pay him an astronomical £400m for just one season in order to market a league that would contain both Cristiano Ronaldo and the 2022 World Cup winner.