Messi leads growing list of Covid-positive players in Europe

Meanwhile, Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has tested positive for COVID-19, the Turin club announced on Saturday

Lionel Messi has tested positive for COVID-19 and entered self-isolation, his club Paris Saint-Germain announced on Sunday. 

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was one of four PSG players to test positive for the virus ahead of a French Cup match against Vannes.

Messi tested positive while on holiday in his hometown of Rosario in Argentina. 

“He is constantly in contact with our medical service. When he is negative, he will be able to return to France,” PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino told a press conference. 

The Argentinian star has endured a difficult start to life in the French capital since an emotional exit from Barcelona last summer. The other players to test positive were full-back Juan Bernat, back-up goalkeeper Sergio Rico and teenage midfielder Nathan Bitumazala. “They are currently respecting isolation and are subject to the appropriate health protocols,” PSG said.

Chiellini in isolation

Meanwhile, Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has tested positive for COVID-19, the Turin club announced on Saturday. 

The defender had been in isolation at home after coming into contact with a positive case during the week, according to news reports, before being tested on Saturday. 

Neuer joins the list

Four Bayern Munich players including captain Manuel Neuer, as well as a coach have tested positive for COVID-19, the Bundesliga champions said. 

Goalkeeper Neuer will miss the first training session of the year, which has been moved from January 2 to January 3 “in light of the current pandemic situation,” Bayern said. 

“Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso and Omar Richards have tested positive for COVID-19,” the club said in a statement. 

In December, the Bavarians said they would be without Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich for up to four weeks after he contracted the virus.

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