Lionel Messi has tested negative for Covid-19 and is all set to return to PSG, eyeing the game against Lyon on Sunday. His Covid test returned positive on December 28 and was confirmed by Paris Saint-Germain on January 2.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner tested positive for the novel coronavirus while on holiday in his native Argentina. Following the positive report, the 34-year-old went into self-isolation. He took the recommended follow-up tests, and on Tuesday (January 4) the result returned negative, which allowed him to return to Paris. Messi was pictured boarding a flight bound for Europe in the early hours of Wednesday (January 5) morning.
The 34-year-old missed PSG’s 4-0 Coupe de France victory over Vannes on Monday (January 3). The game against Vannes was the first game after the winter break. However, according to Le Parisien, Messi should be back on the field at PSG’s Camp des Loges training complex on Thursday (January 6) and could be in the running for a place in the squad to face 13th-placed Lyon on January 10.
Messi had provided fans with a positive update on his condition after news of his Covid infection broke.
“I can only give thanks for everything that I had to live in this 2021,” said Messi. “Even more so when many people had a really bad time because of the s*** virus that never ends.”
“Hopefully 2022 brings a lot of health, which is what I wish you all for the new year. A big hug to everyone!!!” he further added.
"I do not know if he will be involved against Lyon," Mauricio Pochettino said when news of Messi’s positive test reached him. “It is all down to the test in terms of when he can travel. When he does, we will assess when he is ready to play.”
