Lavezzi opens up on post-retirement depression and Messi support

Former Argentina forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has opened up on how close friend Lionel Messi helped him through depression and the "void" of life after retirement.

Lavezzi enjoyed successful spells at Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain as well as helping Argentina reach the 2014 World Cup final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time.

The 41-year-old finished his playing career in November 2019 after a spell at Hebei China Fortune.

Lavezzi revealed in an interview with Amazon Prime Italia how he had struggled to adapt after hanging up his boots, but also focused on the close bonds with former team-mates which helped him through tough times and on towards recovery.

"When I stopped playing, there was a void, and there was nothing to fill it," Lavezzi said.

"I struggled with depression, I was hospitalised. I am taking medication and undergoing treatment, and I am slowly recovering.

"The arrival of my son changed my life, he brings me so much joy and makes me feel alive. He gave me the strength to keep going."

Lavezzi added: "To those who suffer, I say that with humility and desire, you can overcome it. The world of football has been very close to me, so many have been close to me, like Messi, (Sergio) Aguero , Paolo Cannavaro .

"I have a special friendship with Messi, we talk about many things, he is a fantastic person."