Argentinian DJ Fer Palacio denied that he “infected” Lionel Messi after the Paris Saint-Germain star tested positive for COVID-19.
Palacio claimed in a social media post that he was called a “murderer” in wake of Messi’s positive diagnosis, after the two were photographed at the same party Palacio DJ’d in Roasrio, Argentina.
“I am (trending) on Twitter because Messi tested positive for COVID-19. They (say) that I infected him,” Palacio, 31, said in a video on Instagram Sunday, via ESPN. “They have even called me ‘murderer.’ I have a lot of very bad (direct) messages.”
Palacio said he later tested negative and urged, “I do not have COVID-19.”
The DJ also tweeted a photo of a negative COVID-19 test result under his real name, Fernando Palacio.
On Dec. 28, Palacio shared a photo with Messi at the party, writing, “I got the greatest to dance — Thanks to all the Messi family for the invitation.”
Messi spent the holidays in his native Rosario, where he attended a number of parties, according to ESPN.
On Sunday, PSG said in a statement that Messi is one of four players in isolation under COVID-19 protocols after testing positive for the coronavirus — including Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala.
A day prior to the team’s announcement, Messi mentioned “this sh–ty virus that will never end” in a post on Instagram welcoming the new year.
“I can only give thanks for everything that I had to live in this 2021… Hopefully 2022 brings a lot of health, which is what I wish you all for the new year. Hug to everyone!!!” he wrote.
In August, Messi and Paris Saint-Germain agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $29 million per year.
Messi will return to PSG once he tests negative, the club’s coach Mauricio Pochettino said Sunday.
Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia wished Messi a “speedy recovery” in a tweet.