Lionel Messi publicly apologized to Paris Saint-Germain and his teammates Friday for skipping training at the beginning of the week and going to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission.
Messi said he believed he and the rest of the team had Monday off, but PSG coach Christophe Galtier ordered training following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient.
The club reportedly suspended Messi for two weeks without pay after denying his request to leave. He apparently can’t play or train with teammates during that time.
“First of all, I apologize to my teammates, to the club,” Messi said, according to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana. “Honestly, I thought we were going to have a day off after the game, as had been happening in previous weeks.
“I had this trip to (Saudi) Arabia organized, and I couldn’t cancel it. I had already canceled it before.
“I repeat again and apologize for what I did. Here I am, waiting for what the club decides.”
