PARIS, May 8, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Lionel Messi returned to training with Paris
Saint-Germain on Monday six days after Argentina's World Cup-winning captain
was suspended for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
"Leo Messi returns to training Monday morning," tweeted the club along with a
photo of the 35-year-old in action.
His return makes it likely he will feature in PSG's home match with
relegation-threatened Ajaccio next Saturday.
PSG hold the whip hand in defending their Ligue 1 title, a six point lead
over Lens with four matches remaining.
He was suspended by the Qatar-owned club after failing to turn up for
training last Monday.
Instead, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner travelled to Saudi Arabia without
PSG's permission to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the
country's tourist office.
Messi subsequently apologised in a video posted on Instagram to his 458
million followers.
"I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia having cancelled it previously.
This time I couldn't cancel it. I am sorry for what I did and I wait to see
what the club decides to do."
The affair has made it increasingly unlikely that Messi will remain at PSG
beyond this season, when his two-year contract with the club expires.