PSG star Lionel Messi is BACK in training after apologizing for his trip to Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Paris Saint-Germain after his ban for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia was lifted.

The Argentine apologized to the club and team-mates for leaving on a two-day trip to the Middle East at the start of last week.

PSG banned the World Cup winner for two weeks and also paid part of his wages, but Messi returned to the series on Monday.

Messi missed Sunday’s 3-1 win over Troyes in Ligue 1 and is now back in contention for Saturday’s home game with Ajaccio.

The 35-year-old’s much-anticipated return comes as PSG hope to secure the title with their lead over Lens, currently six points from four matches.

Messi, wife Antonela Roccuzzo and children Ciro and Mateo traveled to Saudi Arabia last Monday as part of his 25 millionth year as the country’s ambassador.

They were photographed enjoying the sights in the capital Riyadh and Diriyah.

The PSG players had a planned day off on Monday, but after the previous day’s 3-1 loss to Lorient, manager Christophe Galtier ordered them to practice more.

However, Messi was already on his way to Saudi Arabia – the country where he could play his football next season – and he couldn’t turn back.

Since the trip was not approved by Galtier or sporting director Luis Campos, PSG banned Messi for 15 days and also docked part of his wages.

In a social media message on Friday, Messi apologized to the club and his teammates for not attending training.

“I thought we’d have a day off after the game like always,” Messi began 39 seconds into his Instagram story.

– I had arranged this trip and I couldn’t cancel it. I had already canceled it before. I apologize to my teammates and wait for what the club wants to do with me.

It appears that Messi’s remorse has been recognized by PSG, allowing him to return to training early.

After the incident, it was suggested that Messi and his father, who is also his agent, have made it clear to PSG that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Fans rallied outside the club’s headquarters on Wednesday to call for the resignation of PSG’s board, while also calling for Messi to leave the club, with the Argentine also receiving jeers from supporters at recent matches.

PSG have been trying to extend his contract in recent months, but it looks like Messi will move on.

Reports in Spain suggest that Messi will play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season and have agreed a 260m-a-year contract.

In Messi’s absence, PSG remained on course for the league title on Sunday as goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz secured a 3-1 win at Troyes.