Lionel Messi returns to PSG training alone following suspension as rest of the squad enjoy day off: Reports

Lionel Messi returned to training alone on Monday while the rest of the PSG squad had a day off. The move comes after manager Christophe Galtier admitted that he wanted the Argentine in his squad for the upcoming matches.

PSG handed Messi a 2-week suspension last week after he made an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. The former Barcelona star had skipped training and was touring around the city of Riyadh when the Ligue 1 side found out about his whereabouts.

⚽️🔛 Leo Messi de retour à l'entraînement ce lundi matin. https://t.co/VkGGN3G8OI

The Argentine was asked to remain out of training with the squad for two weeks and return only after their match against Ajaccio. However, things have taken a fresh turn, and the forward is now back on the grass, and the club's official social media handle has confirmed his return.

The move comes just days after Galtier said it was the decision of the management and he was not involved. He hinted that the punishment was not something he agreed with and was quoted by The Guardian as saying:

"We'll see when Leo returns what will happen. Obviously, there will be discussions with the entire club but also with Leo, who is the primary person involved. I did not have to make the decision. I was informed of the decision."

PSG are yet to confirm if the suspension has been lifted.

Lionel Messi apologized to PSG for Saudi Arabia trip

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Lionel Messi was in Saudi Arabia last Monday, and it caused an uproar in Paris as the Argentine had traveled without the permission of the Ligue 1 club. He issued an apology on his Instagram last week and said:

"First of all, I want to apologise to my teammates and the club. Honestly, I thought we [the squad] were going to have a day off after the game like we did in previous weeks. I had this trip [to Saudi Arabia] organised which I had cancelled [once] already; I could not cancel it again. I repeat: I want to say sorry for what I did. I'm waiting to hear what the club want to do with me."

Reports suggest Lionel Messi is set to leave PSG at the end of the season, when his contract expires.