Lionel Messi has made a quicker-than-expected return to training with Paris Saint-Germain after being slapped with a club suspension over an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Argentina international jetted off to the Middle East at the start of last week to fulfil his commercial commitments as the country's tourism ambassador.
One day before Messi's flight, PSG suffered a shock 3-1 home loss to Lorient in Ligue 1, and manager Christophe Galtier subsequently cancelled their customary day off on Monday.
However, Messi was under the impression that the Parisiens squad would enjoy a rest day as usual, and he was already on the way to Saudi Arabia when PSG's squad arrived at Camp des Loges for training.
The 35-year-old had not been given permission by PSG to make the journey, and the French champions took a strong stance on the matter, imposing an initial two-week suspension and fine on the attacker.
© Reuters
Messi was not permitted to train with the squad last week, although he posted a public apology to the club and his teammates on social media, claiming that he had already cancelled the trip and could not do so again.
As a result, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was absent from Sunday's 3-1 win at Troyes, but his response appears to have gone down well with those upstairs at the Parc des Princes.
On Monday morning, PSG announced that the ex-Barcelona man had returned to training at Camp des Loges earlier than expected, although he only did individual work as the rest of the team enjoyed a day off.
It remains to be seen if Messi will be allowed to rejoin the rest of Galtier's troops for training later this week ahead of their penultimate home fixture of the Ligue 1 season at home to Ajaccio on Saturday.
Should PSG uphold his two-week matchday ban, Messi may not return until the trip to Auxerre on May 21 before the champions end their campaign against Strasbourg and Clermont on May 27 and June 3 respectively.
⚽️🔛 Leo Messi de retour à l'entraînement ce lundi matin. pic.twitter.com/VkGGN3G8OI
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) May 8, 2023
Following a difficult first season in Paris, Messi has rediscovered his best form under Galtier with 20 goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions during the 2022-23 season.
However, the attacker is now expected to depart the Parc des Princes when his contract expires at the end of the season, although PSG supposedly still want to keep him on the books.
A sensational return to Barcelona continues to be strongly mooted for Messi, although the Blaugrana must significantly trim their wage bill before a reunion can be considered feasible.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and MLS are also attentive to Messi's situation, and the 35-year-old could apparently be in line for a staggering £320m deal if he makes the move to the Gulf state.
In Messi's absence, Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz were all on target in Sunday's win over Troyes, allowing PSG to establish a six-point lead over second-placed Lens at the top of the table with four games left to play.
Ben Knapton
