Rephrase the title:Lionel Messi injury history: Full list of injuries for Inter Miami star from Barcelona, PSG, Argentina

Now 36 years old and in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi has proven he can still perform to close to his best after impressing during his first few months in MLS with Inter Miami.

With age, however, comes a greater attention to his match fitness, and his club may well be forced to be particularly cautious with their superstar.

That was evident as Messi, who had already been rested on a number of occasions over the past week, was withdrawn in the 37th minute of Inter Miami’s eventual 4-0 win over Toronto FC on September 20. It was the Argentinian’s first real injury bout with the American club, as he looked frustrated exiting the pitch.

While Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino downplayed the injury, calling it “fatigue” and indicated there were no signs of a muscle problem as of yet, it still called into question Messi’s ability to remain fully fit amidst a brutally clogged fixture schedule towards the end of the MLS season.

Messi would go on to miss the U.S. Open Cup final a week later, signaling larger concerns around Messi’s fitness and his availability for the stretch run of MLS regular season games. He would finally return off the bench on October 7, but could not prevent a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati, which sealed Inter Miami’s elimination from the playoff race.

More recently, a muscle problem saw Messi miss the planned Riyadh Season Cup game against Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, plus a preseason match in Hong Kong. As Inter Miami kick off the 2024 MLS season on February 21, there will be extra scrutiny on the fitness of the league’s undisputed star attraction.

Lionel Messi injury history

Lionel Messi has been incredibly resilient throughout his long and illustrious football journey, but even the most durable players will inevitably suffer their fair share of injuries over the course of such a career.

At the beginning of his career, Messi appeared to have issues with his hamstring, especially on his favored left foot, as a number of thigh injuries sidelined him for long stretches during the first five years of his career at Barcelona.

Since the start of 2016, however, he has been exceedingly injury averse, avoiding serious knocks at an incredible rate and managing to stay fit to log significant minutes for both club and country.

MORE: Latest news on Lionel Messi’s injury after being subbed off vs. Toronto FC

Lionel Messi’s major injuries

This list includes all injuries across Lionel Messi’s career that caused him to miss three or more games. All injury data via Transfermarkt.com, unless specified. Does not include illness, lack of match fitness or rest.

• Adductor injury*: Feb. 1, 2024 —Feb. 7, 2024 (Inter Miami, 2 preseason matches)
• Scar tissue flare-up: Sep. 21, 2023 — Oct. 6, 2023 (Inter Miami, 4 matches)
• Calf strain: Oct. 5, 2022 — Oct. 13, 2022 (PSG, 3 matches)
• Knee injury: Oct. 29, 2021 — Nov. 11, 2021 (PSG, 3 matches)
• Calf injury: Aug. 5, 2019 — Sep. 16, 2019 (Barcelona, 4 matches — Argentina, 2 matches)
• Forearm fracture: Oct. 21, 2018 — Nov. 9, 2018 (Barcelona, 5 matches)
• Adductor tear: Sep. 22, 2016 — Oct. 15, 2016 (Barcelona, 4 matches — Argentina, 2 matches)
• MCL injury: Sep. 28, 2015 — Nov. 18, 2015 (Barcelona, 9 matches — Argentina, 4 matches)
• Hamstring tear: Nov. 10, 2013 — Jan. 6, 2014 (Barcelona, 9 matches — Argentina, 2 matches)
• Hamstring strain: Sep. 28, 2013 — Oct. 18, 2013 (Barcelona, 2 matches — Argentina, 2 matches)
• Hamstring strain: May 13, 2013 — Jun. 6, 2013 (Barcelona, 3 matches)
• Hamstring strain: Apr. 3, 2013 — Apr. 22, 2013 (Barcelona, 4 matches)
• Thigh injury: Mar. 4, 2008 — Apr. 10, 2008 (Barcelona, 8 matches — Argentina, 1 match)
• Hamstring strain: Dec. 17, 2007 — Jan. 14, 2008 (Barcelona, 6 matches)
• Foot fracture: Nov. 13, 2006 — Feb. 8, 2007 (Barcelona, 18 matches — Argentina, 1 match)
• Hamstring tear: Mar. 8, 2006 — May 21, 2006 (Barcelona, 17 matches)

*Confirmed by the player

Lionel Messi’s matches missed by club

All injury data via Transfermarkt.com. Does not include matches missed due to illness, lack of match fitness or rest. Does include national team games missed or friendly matches.

Is Lionel Messi playing against Real Salt Lake?

There were some concerns that Messi’s adductor injury, which saw him miss two preseason games and caused anger among disappointed fans and dignitaries in Hong Kong, could keep him out of the opening 2024 MLS game between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake on February 21.

However, it is expected that Messi will be fit to start the game.

MORE: Predictions and odds for Messi to win MLS Cup in 2024

When asked about Messi and Luis Suarez, who has been troubled by a knee issue, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said: “Yes, they are there to play. We always look at this depending on the needs of the team.”

The match kicks off at Inter Miami’s newly named Chase Stadium on February 21 at 8 p.m. ET.