A month separates Argentine legend Lionel Messi from turning 37 years old, bringing him closer to bidding farewell to football fields. However, the Argentine international is not experiencing his best times on the pitch these days, especially given his numerous absences from Inter Miami's matches this season. Messi has suffered from several injuries this season, causing him to miss 6 matches across various competitions out of the 13 his team has played, which represents more than 46% of the total matches.
**The Body Doesn't Forgive**
In September 2019, Messi made one of his most famous statements when he expressed his regret by saying, "The body doesn't forgive as you age." This quote has been circulated somewhat mockingly due to Messi's continued brilliance on the pitch, despite being close to retirement. Yet, the reality confirms the truth of Messi's words since he made them five years ago, as he has suffered from at least 13 injuries during that period, in addition to other absences due to lack of physical preparedness and illness.
During just two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, the French team was deprived of Messi's services for over 20 matches due to injuries. With Inter Miami, in less than a year, the team has played about 12 matches without their captain for the same reason. This confirms that Messi's body has deteriorated, hindering him from withstanding tackles or playing at a high level for an extended period, contributing to his decision to move to the American league, away from the intensity of European matches.
**Paying the Price**
Many might see this as a natural occurrence, given Messi's current age, especially considering his lack of a strong physical structure that would enable him to endure longer on the field. In reality, many players have faced similar challenges as they age, and some even retired earlier than Messi, such as Toni Kroos, who announced his retirement just hours after the current season ends.
However, when comparing Messi to his Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo, it becomes clear that Messi has paid the price for his recklessness at the beginning of his career, in contrast to the sacrifices Ronaldo has made to stay on the field in peak physical condition, resisting the effects of time.
Reflecting on Messi's peak years, specifically between 2013 and 2015, we find that he suffered from frequent vomiting on the pitch. He even admitted in press statements that he experienced this condition outside of matches as well, whether in training, at home, or even at parties, without knowing the reason. Some reports attribute Messi's vomiting to his unhealthy eating habits and excessive consumption of soft drinks, which did not align with his nature as an athlete.
Although other reports indicate that Messi later abandoned this unhealthy lifestyle and adopted a healthier diet, the remnants of that period seem to have contributed to his current recurring injuries, especially as he ages. Additionally, Messi has not focused enough on the physical aspect to help himself endure longer in matches by building a strong body like Ronaldo's, which would protect him from injuries, especially if he wants to continue until this moment at 37 years old.
In the coming few months, Messi may face the harsh reality of announcing his retirement in the near future instead of remaining at the mercy of recurring injuries.
