PSG make Messi announcement after suspension

The Ligue 1 powerhouse punished Lionel Messi for making an unapproved promotional trip to the Middle East. The club meted out a hefty fine and temporary banishment that stirred up controversy around the superstar.

After a brief hiatus, Lionel Messi is back on the pitch with Paris Saint-Germain. The break stemmed from an unscheduled trip to Saudi Arabia that resulted in his temporary suspension.

On Monday morning, PSG confirmed Messi’s return on social media. The club shared an image of the 35-year-old in his training gear, with the caption: “Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning.”

As part of his suspension, Messi missed Sunday’s 3-1 win over Troyes. He apologized in an Instagram video last week, explaining he had to visit Saudi Arabia as part of a contractual obligation and assumed he had permission.

“I wanted to make this video due to everything that is happening,” Messi said.

“First of all, I want to say sorry to my teammates and to the club. I honestly thought that we were going to be free after the game, as had been the case in previous weeks.”

He added: “I had organized this trip to Saudi Arabia, which had been canceled previously and this time I couldn’t. I apologize again and I’m here for whatever the club decides. All the best.”