Messi returns to training after sanction

2023-05-08 13:48:00

The Parisian club announced on Monday that the Argentine striker, suspended last week, resumed training at Camp des Loges in the morning.

By VD with AFP

The seven-time Ballon d’Or returned to the training center on Monday, May 8. (Illustrative photo).
© CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON / EPA

Published on 05/08/2023 at 1:48 p.m

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LLionel Messi’s punishment for his Saudi escapade ended with the Paris Saint-Germain star’s return to training on Monday, the Parisian club announced. “Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning,” the club posted on their Twitter account, along with a photo of the Argentine in action. His banishment finally lasted six days. He had been suspended on Tuesday by PSG after an unauthorized promotional trip to Saudi Arabia, for which the “Pulga” apologized in a short video posted on Instagram.

“I apologize to my teammates and await the club’s decision. I apologize to my partners and to the club,” he explained in Spanish. Messi missed the victory at Troyes (3-1) on Sunday and could therefore return for the match of 35^e championship day against Ajaccio, Saturday (9 p.m.) at the Parc des Princes. He is on the verge of a second title of champion of France, Paris counting six points ahead of Lens (2^e) four days before the end of the season.

Close to departure

Asked after Troyes-PSG, coach Christophe Galtier had not commented on the Messi affair. “I give you the same answer as before the match: it’s an internal matter, I have no comment to make on Leo,” he said. At the end of the contract with Paris, Messi (35) is closer to a departure than an extension, according to concordant sources.

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