MESSI’S KIDNEY PROCEDURE EXPLAINED AS BARCELONA STAR CONTINUES HIS RECOVERY

The Argentine attacker is out of hospital and
resting at home in Barcelona after undergoing a
procedure that is aimed at solving his renal
problems
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is out of
hospital and recovering after a non-surgical
procedure to cure his kidney problems, Goal has
learned.

The 28-year-old first suffered a renal
complication back in December during the Club
World Cup and missed Barca’s semi-final win
over Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
The five-times Ballon d’Or winner was in
hospital in Barcelona on Tuesday for a
lithotripsy, an extra-corporeal treatment that
typically uses ultrasound shock waves to break
kidney stones into small particles that can then
be passed out by the body.
The procedure does not require incision but is
usually carried out under a local anaesthetic
because the shock waves can be painful.
Sources close to the player have confirmed to
Goal that the procedure was planned after Barca
announced further tests on Monday.
FULL STORY | Messi undergoes further tests for
kidney problems
The Argentine was treated on Tuesday for just
under an hour and was accompanied by Barca
doctors Ricard Pruna and Pepe Costa, along
with his partner Antonella.
Messi is now resting at home and will play no
part in Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey semi-
final second leg against Valencia, although
Barca are already 7-0 up from the first match
last week.
The player’s kidney complications have continued
since December, but this treatment is expected to
be a success and he should be back in training
with his team-mates on Wednesday.
If the problems persist, the player could undergo
the treatment again in future in order to avoid
surgery.