Sophia
Even football’s titans, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are not immune to the “ghost of injuries.” Despite their seemingly superhuman careers, both legends have faced their share of physical setbacks. While they continue to defy age and expectations, their injury histories offer a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities of even the greatest athletes.
Two Decades of Dominance, Few Days Sidelined
For over two decades, Messi (38) and Ronaldo (40) have redefined modern football, shattering records and collecting an unprecedented array of domestic, regional, and international titles. Their longevity and consistent peak performance are testaments to their dedication and exceptional physical conditioning. However, even these iron men have had their careers punctuated by spells on the sidelines. The question often debated among fans is: who has spent more time recovering from physical ailments?
Messi’s Injury Record: A Closer Look
Currently, Lionel Messi is nursing a slight muscle injury in his right thigh, which has seen him miss crucial matches for Inter Miami in both the Leagues Cup and MLS. While this recent setback is minor, a look back at his career reveals a more significant period of absence.
According to Transfermarkt, Messi has accumulated approximately 905 days sidelined due to injury throughout his career. His most significant injury occurred between November 2006 and February 2007, a metatarsal fracture that kept him out for 88 days and saw him miss 19 games for Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
Despite these interruptions, the Argentine maestro continues to maintain remarkable physical condition. His contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, with ongoing negotiations hinting at a possible extension. This would allow him to remain active and potentially defend the World Cup title won in Qatar 2022 at the 2026 World Cup, aiming for his second FIFA trophy and Argentina’s fourth.
Ronaldo’s Resilient Career: Fewer Days Out
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese icon, boasts an even more impressive record in terms of injury avoidance. He has spent a total of 482 days sidelined throughout his illustrious career. This figure encompasses a range of issues, from illnesses like coronavirus to essential rest periods, and more serious incidents such as ankle surgery, sprains, and torn muscle fibers.
CR7’s longest absence occurred between July and August 2008, when ankle surgery kept him out for 71 days, missing eight matches for Manchester United and the Portugal national team. Another notable instance was an internal band strain suffered in the opening minutes of the Euro 2016 final, which forced him off the pitch and resulted in a 60-day recovery period. Remarkably, both Messi and Ronaldo have seen their teams triumph in major finals despite their mid-match departures – Messi in the Copa América 2024 final and Ronaldo in Euro 2016 – a testament to their teams’ resilience and the depth of talent around them.
The Enduring Legacy
While the “ghost of injuries” has occasionally touched these footballing legends, it has never truly haunted their careers. Their ability to recover, adapt, and return to peak performance underscores their unparalleled professionalism and dedication. As they continue to defy Father Time, their injury records highlight not just their vulnerabilities, but also their incredible resilience, cementing their status as two of the most durable and impactful athletes in sports history.
