'I Apologise' - Lionel Messi Releases Shock Statement After Saudi Arabia Trip Backlash

Lionel Messi has apologised for taking an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia that resulted in him being suspended by Paris Saint-Germain.Messi was punished by the French side after travelling to Saudi Arabia in a sponsored visit and is not expected to feature in the games against Troyes and Ajaccio.

The Argentina star has responded to the backlash by apologising to the club and his team-mates, saying that he thought he had a day off and was unable to cancel the trip.

First of all, I apologise again to my team-mates at the club.

I honestly thought that we were going to have the day off after the game as we had done before.

I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia, which I had previously cancelled and I couldn't go.