LIONEL MESSI has revealed that the effects of Covid-19 led him to struggle with respiratory issues. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 34, contracted the virus in January. As a result, he missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia as well as three domestic fixtures with PSG. But now he has revealed that he […]
LIONEL MESSI has revealed that the effects of Covid-19 led him to struggle with respiratory issues.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 34, contracted the virus in January.
As a result, he missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia as well as three domestic fixtures with PSG.
But now he has revealed that he suffered long-term effects from the illness which had an impact on his lungs.
In an interview with TYC Sports earlier this week, he said: “It left me with after effects.
“It left me with after effects in my lungs. I came back and it was like a month and a half without even being able to run because my lungs were affected.”
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Despite being out of action for around three weeks at the start of the year, Messi also admitted that he returned too soon which ultimately led to his condition becoming worse.
He added: “I came back before I should have, and it got worse because I went too fast and it ended up setting me back.
“But I couldn’t take it any more, I wanted to run, to train — I wanted to get going. And in the end, it got worse.”
Messi has endured a tough start to life in Ligue 1.
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On top of dealing with various injury issues and illnesses, he has not been able to hit the same heights as he did while at Barcelona.
He has also been subject to poor treatment from PSG fans.
In March, he received boos and jeers from supporters during a 3-0 home win against Bordeaux.
Some even called for him to leave by vandalising PSG’s training ground with graffiti which read ‘Leo out’.
However, despite the underwhelming season he is reportedly set to stay at the Parc des Princes next year.
