One of the best to ever play the game will be spending some extended time off of the pitch, according to FC Barcelona. The club announced on Saturday that Messi will be on the shelf for seven to eight weeks courtesy of a ‘tear in the internal collateral ligament of his left knee.’

The injury occurred on Saturday during Barcelona’s La Liga match when Messi collided with Las Palmas defender Pedro Bigas. Messi was immediately taken to Clínica Cruz Blanca hospital and tests confirmed he had torn the collateral ligament in his left knee.