Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi is still suffering from the effects of having Covid, after he contracted the ‘roughest variant’ during the winter break.
PSG superstar Messi has played just once this year after getting infected last month, making his return in the 4-0 win over Reims last weekend.
‘I talked to (Messi) after he tested positive for COVID,’ Scaloni told a press conference on Wednesday. ‘It affected him a lot, he had the roughest variant.
‘It is important that he recovers, feels fit because there will be important moments ahead. I felt that it was not ideal for him to join us [on international duty this weekend] not being at 100 percent. He was affected for some time.’
‘I am well, recovered. But the PCR remains positive,’ Scaloni added.
Brazil and Argentina have both qualified for the World Cup, with two more automatic spots up for grabs in South American qualifying.
The fifth-place team advances to a playoff against an Asian opponent. Only last-place Venezuela, with seven points, is out of contention.
