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Star Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) footballer Lionel Messi has tested positive for Covid-19, the French club has confirmed. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has self-isolated following the positive test. The three other PSG players who have contracted the virus include left back Juan Bernat, backup goalkeeper Sergio Rico and teenager midfielder Nathan Bitumazala.
"They are currently respecting isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocols," PSG said in a statement.
The major blow comes ahead of PSG’s Coupe de France clash on January 4 (1:40 AM IST) against third-tier Vannes. The last time Messi played for PSG was against Lorient where Mauro Icardi helped them equalise.
"We've been living with the virus for nearly two years now and everyone knows what they must do to avoid a contamination. But a lot about how the virus functions is still unknown," PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Sunday (January 2) in the pre-game press conference.
"With regards to Leo, he's in contact with our medical service. I don't know if he'll be able to play in Lyon. He tested positive in Argentina (and) until he's negative, he won't be able to travel to France. We'll see when he gets back," Pochettino added.
PSG are scheduled to play Lyon on January 10 (1:15 AM IST) in French Ligue 1 clash. However, this won’t affect PSG’s Champions League (CL) chances as they are scheduled to face Real Madrid next month and Messi has enough time to recover from the virus.
In the current season of French Ligue 1, Messi has scored just one goal from 11 appearances whereas he is second on the list of most assists with four games against his name. The Argentine is only second to Kylian Mbappe who has eight assists from 17 games.
PSG are currently at the top of the Ligue 1 standings with 14 wins from 19 games and 46 points against their name. They have lost just one game in the season whereas four have ended in draws.
