Messi returns to PSG training after suspension for Saudi trip
Lionel Messi warms up during a Paris Saint-Germain training session, Paris, France, April 29, 2023. (Getty Images Photo)


Paris Saint-Germain announced on Monday that Argentine forward Lionel Messi has resumed training with the Ligue 1 team following his suspension for violating club rules by traveling to Saudi Arabia and missing a scheduled training session.

French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with the squad the day after the Ligue 1 leaders' 3-1 defeat to Lorient last month.

Messi apologized to PSG and his teammates on Friday and was left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at second-bottom Troyes on Sunday.

PSG posted a picture of Messi training on social media, along with the caption: "The Argentinian striker from Paris Saint-Germain was back in training on Monday, 8 May."

PSG are six points clear of Lens and eight in front of Olympique de Marseille with four more rounds of games remaining this season.

Messi's future at PSG has been the subject of much speculation recently.

A source close to Argentina's captain said that he received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, with a contract renewal at PSG not on the cards for the World Cup winner, who turns 36 next month.

The oil-rich nation appointed Messi its tourism ambassador last year, and he visited Jeddah in May 2022.

He returned in January to play a friendly match with PSG against a team of Saudi League stars when he faced great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.