Lionel Messi’s body is finally telling him what his heart refuses to accept: His days of playing 90 minutes every game are quickly coming to an end. After a brief three-game hiatus, the Inter Miami star has found himself on the injury list once again, sidelined for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers. It’s the same story we’ve seen time and time again Messi is back on the field, only to quickly be forced off by injury. But as the 37-year-old maestro battles through his body’s limitations, the question remains: Who will be the one to tell him it’s time to adjust his playing style?
On Monday, Fabrizio Romano broke the news that Messi suffered a muscle injury to his midsection during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United. As a result, he will miss Argentina’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, and the odds are he’ll also sit out several MLS matches in the weeks ahead. This latest setback is just the latest in a growing list of muscle and fatigue issues that have plagued Messi since his arrival in the U.S.
For years, Messi has been nothing short of superhuman on the field, his technical ability unmatched and his influence on the pitch undeniable. But as he approaches 38, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the demands of playing every minute of every match simply aren’t sustainable for him anymore. If he wants to go out on his own terms, he may need to accept that he can no longer shoulder the heavy load of a full 90-minute shift every game.
While Messi has been remarkably durable throughout most of his career, injuries have always been part of the equation. Unlike many of his peers, he rarely suffered major injuries in his prime, but those occasional minor setbacks have always been part of his journey. At nearly 38 years old, combined with the grueling travel schedule of Major League Soccer and international duty, these injuries are starting to add up.
Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has missed nearly half of the club’s competitive matches, largely due to injury or international duty. But even when he’s on the field, his playing time remains staggering. In 2024, Messi made 33 appearances, starting 28 of them. He played the full 90 minutes in 27 of those 28 starts a remarkable feat for any player, especially someone in their late 30s.
This is where things get tricky. Messi’s ability to influence matches remains elite he’s still the best player on the field, regardless of age. But as his body continues to show signs of wear, the idea of him playing an entire match every time is beginning to look like a recipe for disaster. The recent pattern of injuries particularly after short rest periods suggests that his body is starting to break down under the intense demands placed on him.
If any other player were in Messi’s shoes, load management would already be a topic of conversation. Limiting his minutes wouldn’t diminish his impact; rather, it could prolong his career and increase his overall contribution to the team. Instead of starting every match, Messi could focus on making the most of his time on the field, playing shorter bursts when the game is on the line.
Consider the case of the Philadelphia Union’s Ilsinho, who spent several years as a super-sub, contributing nearly one goal or assist per 90 minutes a model of efficiency that could work wonders for Messi, too. Miami is strong enough to win without Messi for stretches, and his influence could actually increase if he’s used more strategically, focusing on the most crucial moments in a match rather than playing the full 90.
It’s time for Messi and those around him to recognize that preemptive load management is no longer just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. By limiting his minutes, Messi could stay healthier and continue to contribute at a high level while protecting his body from further injury. Otherwise, the next muscle injury may be far more severe, and Messi may not have the luxury of choosing when to retire.
The end of an era is approaching, but it doesn’t have to come abruptly. With the right management, Messi could still shine for years to come. The question is: Who will have the courage to help him make that decision before it’s too late?
