It was a journey that had far-reaching consequences. After Paris St. Germain lost 3-1 to FC Lorient last Sunday, Lionel Messi stayed away from spontaneous team training the next day without an excuse. La Pulga had instead traveled to Saudi Arabia for a marketing appointment.
PSG then sank into chaos: the 35-year-old Argentine was suspended for two weeks, a fan protest broke out, French media reported that Messi and the Parisian noble club were definitely ending their collaboration. The Argentine never wants to play for PSG again.
Statement via video
Now Messi has spoken out for the first time. In a message published on his social media channels, the world champion is insightful: “I would like to apologize to my teammates and the club.”
And further: “I honestly thought we’d have that day off, like it always is after matchdays. I had already organized the trip and couldn’t cancel it. I had previously canceled it at other times.”
Messi says nothing about the desire to never play for PSG again. On the contrary: “I apologize to my teammates and now I’m waiting to see what the club intends to do with me.” How and when PSG will react to the superstar’s statements is still unclear.
