Messi apologizes after backlash that trailed Saudi Arabia trip

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has issued an apology to his Paris Saint-Germain teammates after being hit with a brutal suspension over his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

Messi was handed a massive fine and a club ban for making an unsanctioned, mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia. His teammates were reported to have been shocked by his trip, particularly after being left reeling to a league defeat to Lorient.

Though the football legend’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. His action has further soured his relationship with PSG supporters. Fans took part in protests against the forward outside of the club’s Paris headquarters.

Messi has now responded to the backlash that trailed the trip by apologizing to the club and his team-mates, saying in a broadcast on social media;

“I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as always. I had this trip organised and I couldn’t cancel it. I had already canceled it before. I apologise to my team-mates and I’m waiting for what the club wants to do with me.”

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 as i already canceled it before, I apologize to my teammates and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me — Lionel Messi pic.twitter.com/Abx5Oo9L6i

— Naija (@Naija_PR) May 5, 2023

He is not expected to feature in the games against Troyes and Ajaccio.