Ligue 1: PSG take decision after Messi’s apology

Lionel Messi has been dropped from Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for their Ligue 1 clash against Troyes this weekend despite issuing an apology for his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.

Messi’s PSG team-mates were left “shocked” after he flew to Saudi Arabia without approval on Monday.

The 35-year-old was required to be at training on the day after losing a match that weekend.

PSG suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Lorient in Ligue 1 last weekend.

That result has thrown the title race open, leaving PSG just five points ahead of Marseille.

Messi has now been suspended for two weeks and cannot use the club’s training facilities in that time.

Messi apologised to the club and his team-mates on Friday in a video released on Instagram.

Despite his apology, PSG haven’t changed their mind over his suspension and unavailability.

Messi has been excluded from their league clash against Troyes this weekend and is also expected to miss the home fixture against Ajaccio the following week.

Christophe Galtier’s side will conclude their campaign away to Auxerre and Strasbourg, before hosting Clermont on the final day.

Messi is likely to be involved in those three matches, before his contract expires on 30 June.