Lionel Messi returns to PSG training amid new Saudi Arabia link

International superstar Lionel Messi returned to work early from a suspension as his Paris Saint-Germain future remains up in the air. 

Per ESPN and Samuel Petrequin of the Associated Press, Messi returned to training Monday for the first time since he received a two-week suspension without pay related to an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. 

"A person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press that the Argentina star resumed his training after the suspension was lifted," Petrequin reported. 

It's assumed Messi could be available for selection when Paris Saint-Germain face AC Ajaccio Saturday.

PSG began Monday sitting atop the Ligue 1 table, holding a six-point lead over second-place Lens.

After it was learned Messi was suspended, subsequent reports claimed both he and Paris Saint-Germain agreed to part ways once when his contract expires at the end of the season. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner linked with Saudi club Al-Hilal, rivals of Al-Nassr, throughout the spring reportedly could earn roughly $400M annually playing in the same league as longtime foe and current Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to ESPN, outlet El Chiringuito reported that Messi "will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer and will accept a proposal from Al-Hilal to play in Saudi Arabia next season." 

Messi may prefer a return to Barcelona over a move to either Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer so he can play in the UEFA Champions League one more time before the 2024 Copa America. However, financial issues that prevented Barcelona from holding on to Messi in 2021 still hover over the Catalan club. 

Messi apologized for the actions that resulted in his suspension, perhaps in an attempt to keep his ongoing relationship with PSG intact if he finds the French giants are the only European team willing to pay him what he deserves for the 2023-24 campaign. 

"El Chiringuito reports that Messi will now accept an offer from Al-Hilal, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League," ESPN said. "The report adds that Messi's former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets is set to join him at Al-Hilal as a free agent, while Jordi Alba will also make the move if he can agree a deal to end his Barca contract."