LIONEL Messi has tested positive for Covid-19 and entered self-isolation, announced his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), today.

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.

The Argentinian star has endured a difficult start to life in the French capital since an emotional exit from Barcelona last summer.

Messi has scored only one goal in 11 league appearances for PSG, although he has netted five times in the Champions League.

He will miss the cup tie tomorrow and likely be side-lined for PSG’s first Ligue 1 match since the winter break at Lyon next Sunday.

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 subject to the appropriate health protocols,” said the club.

France has reported more than 200,000 Covid-19 cases a day this week. – AFP, January 2, 2022.