Barcelona star Lionel Messi has sent a well-wishing message to Diego Maradona after his emergency surgery in Argentina for possible bleeding in the brain.

The Barcelona forward played under Maradona for Argentina, and their two careers have been regularly compared.

"Diego, all the strength in the world," Messi's message read.

"My family and I want to see you well as soon as possible. A big hug."

Together with the message, posted on the Barcelona player's Instagram account, Messi uploaded a picture of the pair side by side from back when Maradona was his national team manager.