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PARIS, FRANCE (SNN-TV) – Soccer superstar Lionel Messi is opening up about his difficult battle with COVID-19. The 34-year-old contracted the virus in January.

The PSG and Argentina player spoke about the ordeal in an interview with TYC Sports on Monday. He says at first he experienced the typical symptoms of the virus: sore throat, coughing and fever. However, when those cleared up, he continued to struggle with respiratory issues.

Messi said his lungs were so badly affected that he couldn’t run, and he admits he pushed himself to return, which made things worse.

He missed three matches while he recovered: two in Ligue 1 and one in the French Cup.