Leo contracted coronavirus at the beginning of this year but dealt with respiratory issues for a prolonged time despite testing negative.

Lionel Messi did not enjoy his debut campaign with PSG, with the Argentine superstar struggling on the pitch in 2021/22 with his new Ligue 1 side. However, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has now given a candid interview in which he reveals the off-the-pitch struggles that negatively affected his season.

The 34-year-old, who is preparing for Argentina's highly-anticipated showdown with Italy in the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, or more commonly known as Finalissima, spoke to TyC Sports about the recent campaign. During his interview, La Pulga opened up about his battle with COVID-19 and revealed some details that were unknown to the public.

The Barcelona icon contracted coronavirus back in January and missed two Ligue 1 fixtures as a result. However, while many assumed that he made a quick recovery, this was not the case, with Leo now admitting that he suffered from after-effects even after testing negative.

Messi confessed that he was eager to return to the pitch and as a result, he rushed his comeback and had to deal respiratory problems for a month and half.

"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," Leo told TyC Sports, as per Marca.

"I came back before I should have, and it got worse because I went too fast and it ended up setting me back," he said.

"But I couldn't take it anymore, I wanted to run, to train. I wanted to get going. And in the end, it got worse."

And the Argentine did not stop there are he opened up about his unexpected departure from Barcelona and how he initially struggled to come to terms with his exit and eventual move to Paris.

Nonetheless, the disappointing 2021/22 campaign is behind him and Messi is now back with the national team ahead of Wednesday's showdown with Italy. The Copa America champions will lock horns with the Euro 2020 winners in the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, with this intriguing fixture set to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Italy 0 - 3 Argentina

June 1, 2022 2:45pmWembley Stadium (London)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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