The world's most expensive football player, Lionel Messi, has suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for the next three months.
In a statement released by PSG, the club confirmed that Messi had been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right ankle and would be sidelined until at least November.
"This is a very disappointing situation for all of us," said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. "But we will support Lionel and his family during this difficult period."
Messi's injury comes as a major blow to PSG, who were hoping to win the Ligue 1 title this season. The Argentine forward has scored 24 goals in 28 appearances so far this campaign, helping PSG to top the league table.
However, despite the setback,Ligue 1 Express PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to continue fighting for the title. "We have a lot of quality players on the pitch and I believe we can still achieve our goals," he said.
For Messi, however, it is a devastating blow to his hopes of winning a third consecutive Ballon d'Or award. The winner of the prestigious individual prize is announced each year by France Football magazine and is based on a combination of voting from journalists and fans.
Despite his injury, Messi remains one of the greatest footballers ever to play the game. His talent and dedication to the sport have made him a household name around the world and he continues to inspire millions of fans every time he takes the pitch.
As he recovers, Messi will no doubt be left with a sense of disappointment but he will also know that he has shown remarkable resilience and determination throughout his career. With hard work and perseverance, he is sure to make a full recovery and return to the game stronger than ever before.