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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Lionel Messi tests negative for Covid-19 and boards flight to PSG after virus delayed striker’s return

Lionel Messi has been pictured boarding a flight back to France after finally testing negative for Covid-19.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker was diagnosed with coronavirus during his winter break in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

The scenario led to speculation over where the 34-year-old caught the virus and a local DJ, Fer Palacio, was forced to deny his responsibility after attending a Christmas party with Messi and subsequently receiving death threats on social media.

Messi was pictured boarding a flight bound for Europe in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Following a negative test result, the player was given permission to return to PSG having first tested positive on Boxing Day, it has been reported by Argentine outlet El Litoral. It is said that he remains without symptoms since the diagnosis.

(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

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,” he said. “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!!!”

It remains to be seen when Messi will return to the PSG squad, having missed the Coupe de France win over Vannes on Monday along with Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala, who all tested positive after the winter break.

Les Parisiens travel to Lyon for a Ligue 1 match on Sunday.

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