Lionel Messi has penned a heartfelt social media post to wish his followers a Happy New Year, and took aim at the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Messi endured a rollercoaster 2021, having left his boyhood club Barcelona after contract talks collapsed and then signed for Paris Saint-Germain.
However, he was still able to score 34 goals in the calendar year, and has now taken time to look back at his own experience during turbulent times.
‘I can only give thanks for everything that I had to live in this 2021,’ he wrote.
‘Even more so when many people had a really bad time because of the s****y virus that never ends.
‘Hopefully 2022 brings a lot of health, which is what I wish you all for the new year. Hug everyone!’
Ahead of returning to club action, the superstar has been pictured making the most of his winter break.
He was caught on camera singing and dancing at a concert alongside his wife, Antonela, with the couple clearly enjoying themselves.
Messi last played for PSG in their 1-1 draw with FC Lorient on December 22, with Ligue 1 having then broken up for the festive Their next fixture isn’t until January 3, when they are set to play Vannes in the third round of the Coupe de France – a game Messi may very well miss.
And as a result, he has returned to his native Argentina, and took in the concert with his partner in Rosario, Santa Fe.
As reported by The Sun, Messi flew back along with his countrymen and PSG team-mates Angel di Maria and Mauro Icardi after their last game.