Legendary footballer Diego Maradona underwent surgery for a blood clot on the brain. As wishes poured in from all corners of the globe for the Argentine, his countryman Lionel Messi also posted a heartwarming message on Instagram wishing Maradona quick recovery.

“Diego, all the strength in the world,” Messi wrote in an Instagram post. “My family and I want to see you well again as soon as possible. A big hug from the heart!”

Maradona decided to get himself admitted in a hospital back home in Argentina due to health concerns. Upon seeing the severity of the issue, he was transferred to the Olivos Clinic in Buenos Aires province. It was first believed that the 60-year-old was only suffering from fatigue after celebrating his 60th birthday but the matter turned out to be a lot more serious than first suspected.

The South American had gotten incredibly weak over the past few days and even required assistance to walk. After a series of tests were conducted, it was found out that Maradona had a subdural haematoma for which he went under the knife.

Maradona’s physician, giving an update on the iconic footballer’s health, said that the evacuation of the haematoma was successful but a small drain has been attached at present to remove the fluid. 

“I was able to evacuate the haematoma successfully and Diego tolerated the surgery very well,” his doctor Leopoldo Luque said. “Diego is under control, he has a small drain [to remove fluid] that we are planning to take out tomorrow.

After addressing a major media gathering outside the hospital, Luque was mobbed and patted on the back by the fans of Maradona who is on the road to recovery.

Maradona is presently the coach of Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata but isn’t expected to feature for the Argentine club in the league game this Sunday.