Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has tested positive for Covid-19 in his native Argentina, the French club said Sunday.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will miss the team's Coupe de France match against Vannes on Monday. His status for PSG's next Ligue 1 match on January 9 at Lyon is uncertain.
"Messi has been in regular contact with our medical team, and when he has a negative test, he will travel to France, but we don't know any more than that. I don't know if he will be involved against Lyon," coach Mauricio Pochettino said, per Reuters.
"Until he gets a negative test in Argentina, he will not be able to travel to France. So it is all down to the test in terms of when he can travel. ... We will assess when he is ready to play."
PSG star Lionel Messi went home to Argentina over Christmas
Stephane Mahe
The club said three other players — Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala — also tested positive and are in isolation.
Messi, 34, used the winter break to return to his native Argentina, where video had emerged online of him attending a concert with his wife.
Speaking in a press conference on Sunday, PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino indicated Messi was still in Argentina and would not travel until he had tested negative, meaning he was unable to put a date on his possible return to action.
PSG, who last played against Lorient on December 22 in a 1-1 draw, are due to face fourth-tier Vannes FC in a Coupe de France tie on Monday.
Neymar will also be absent for that match as he is continuing his recovery from injury in Brazil.