Messi Sends Heartfelt Message To Maradona After Brain Surgery

 Lionel Messi has posted a heartfelt message to Diego Maradona after the Argentina great underwent 'successful' surgery on a blood clot on his brain. 

Maradona, who turned 60 last week, had a subdural hematoma - an accumulation of blood between a membrane and his brain - according to his personal doctor Leopoldo Luque.

But after his PR team confirmed the major surgery on Tuesday was a success, one Argentinean great sent a note to another with Messi posting on Instagram: 'Diego, all the strength in the world. My family and I want to see you well as soon as possible. A hug from the heart!' 

As well as being inspired by Maradona - who won the 1986 World Cup - Messi also played under the 60-year-old when he was head coach of the Argentina national team from 2008-2010.   

Maradona's doctor Mr Luque, a neurologist, said the problem likely was caused by an accident, but Maradona has said he does not recall such an incident.

The Argentine great will rest in his room in a private clinic outside Buenos Aires for at least 48 hours, where his fans have gathered in large numbers outside to show their support.

Maradona was accompanied to the clinic by his daughters Dalma, Giannina and Jana and other relatives, according to local media in Argentina.

Tuesday's surgery came after the former Napoli star was admitted to another clinic, in the city of La Plata, after suffering anemia and dehydration.

Donato Villani, the head of the Argentina national team's medical staff, told television channel TyC Sports that such a surgery normally goes smoothly, adding 'it is different with Diego' due to Maradona's past treatment for cardiac problems and his use of drugs and alcohol. 

One of his former girlfriends has claimed that Maradona needs 'urgent' help for his alcohol addiction, insisting that is the reason for his current health issues.

Rocio Oliva, who spent six years with him and came close to marrying him until their split in 2018, told Super Mitre Deportivo: 'On September 9 he was admitted for the same reason but this time round he was in a worse condition than before.

'What's happening here is simple. You can keep him in hospital three or four days and get him better by hydrating him and giving him vitamins but that's not the solution. 

'Diego takes sleeping pills, but Diego's problem is alcohol and it's well known. Diego is still drinking and whoever says he isn't is a liar. He needs to be treated for his alcohol addiction.

'A year ago Diego was a different man. The man we see now can't speak. He's got a lot worse.'

Maradona was admitted to the Ipensa Clinic with additional signs of depression on Monday, it was revealed.

Mr Luque said Maradona, whose Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England is among the most controversial in the tournament's history, had 'felt sad' for about a week and refused to eat before arriving at the clinic. 

Maradona, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, has lived in La Plata since the end of 2019, when he became coach of Gimnasia y Esgrima.

Maradona turned 60 last Friday and showed up that night for Gimnasia's national championship match against Patronato, which his team won 3-0. He left before the end of the first half, which raised questions about his health.

Before undergoing surgery on Tuesday, the former Barcelona, Napoli and Boca Juniors star reported feeling better.

'Diego feels much better than yesterday and feels like leaving,' Mr Luque said on Tuesday morning. 'He spent the night well and we have been joking.'