Lionel Messi has returned to training with Paris Saint-Germain after being suspended by the club for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentina international headed off to the Middle East at the start of last week to fulfill his commercial duties as the country’s tourism ambassador.
PSG lost 3-1 at home to Lorient in Ligue 1 the day before Messi’s flight, and manager Christophe Galtier cancelled the squad’s usual day off on Monday.
However, Messi was under the notion that the Parisiens squad would have a rest day as normal, and he was already on his way to Saudi Arabia when PSG’s squad arrived at Camp des Loges for training.
PSG had not given the 35-year-old permission to travel, and the French champions took a firm stand, imposing a two-week suspension and fine on the attacker.
Messi was not allowed to train with the squad last week, despite posting a public apologies to the club and his teammates on social media.
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As a result, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was absent from Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Troyes, but his response appears to have pleased those upstairs at the Parc des Princes.
⚽️🔛 Leo Messi de retour à l’entraînement ce lundi matin. pic.twitter.com/VkGGN3G8OI
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) May 8, 2023
PSG stated on Monday morning that the ex-Barcelona man had returned to training at Camp des Loges earlier than planned, however he only did solo work since the rest of the club had a day off.
If PSG uphold his two-week matchday ban, Messi may not be able to return until the champions’ trip to Auxerre on May 21, after which they will play Strasbourg and Clermont on May 27 and June 3.
In Messi’s absence, Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz all scored in Sunday’s win against Troyes.
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