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PSG: Lionel Messi returns negative COVID-19 test

Lionel Messi at PSG
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The PSG star will be able to play for his side in their first game of the year.

Lionel Messi tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. The Argentine icon moved to self-isolation in Argentina, missing his side’s 4-0 win over Vannes on Monday. However, Paris Saint-Germain will have their number 30 back soon.

On Thursday, the French giants announced Messi had tested negative for the virus. The 34-year-old will be available for PSG’s league clash against Lyon. The club, however, confirmed Layvin Kurzawa has tested positive for COVID-19.

Since joining PSG, Messi has struggled to find his feet in Ligue 1. Despite having a few brilliant moments, the former Barcelona star is still far from his best form. He has been involved in 10 goals in his 16 appearances across all competitions. However, in Ligue 1, he has managed to score only one goal in his 11 matches for PSG.

Rothen slams Messi for lack of update

Several French sources have claimed Messi has not kept Pochettino or the club updated about his situation. The Argentine coach has reportedly found out about his player’s positive Covid test through third parties.

In an interview with RMC, former PSG star Jerome Rothen slammed Messi for ‘disrespecting’ the manager.

He said (via Metro): “You must always respect your coach, this is what I was taught in Clairefontaine.

“The coach must be above everyone else, it does not matter if it is a star or a youth player – the boss must be the head of the time.

“Pochettino was not updated as to where Messi was, and that explains a lot of things.

“This is not a good thing and I think it is very shocking from Messi.”

He added: “Pochettino is being disrespected by Lionel Messi.

“The coach must be the strong man, the one who shows the real values.

“The only one who strongly respects him, in my opinion, is Kylian Mbappe and I do not sense anything with the other players.

“If you don’t respect your coach then you cannot be successful.

“PSG has suffered a lot from this in recent years.”

Following their match against Lyon, PSG will face Brest in their next league game on Saturday. 

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