Lionel Messi has been ruled out for at least another two weeks after undergoing surgery on his right knee, which is expected to sideline him for the rest of this season.
The Argentine forward was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and underwent surgery last week to repair it. The diagnosis came as news broke that Messi had sustained a serious knee injury in training earlier this month, but the severity of the damage was not yet known.
The 32-year-old striker said in a statement that he would continue to play regularly and hoped to return to the field soon. "I'm really looking forward to playing again," he said. "I want to come back strong and be ready for the next game."
However, the prognosis is not good. Messi's recovery from the surgery will take several months, and he may miss significant parts of the upcoming season. His absence could have a big impact on the team's performance, as they rely heavily on Messi's goals and assists.
Despite the setback, Messi remains optimistic about his future. He expressed confidence in his ability to recover quickly and get back into the lineup if necessary. "I'll just keep working hard and hope for the best," he said. "It's important to stay positive and focus on my own health."
The club has also made some changes to their plans for the season. They have already signed a replacement for Messi, while also bringing in young players like Angel Di Maria and Luis Suárez to help fill in the void left by Messi's absence. However, the exact timing of when Messi will return and how he will contribute to the team will depend on his progress and the team's overall fitness plan.