“Everything Is More Difficult”- Lionel Messi Opens Up About Aging and Injury Struggles Amidst Ongoing Field Setback

While watching Lionel Messi on the pitch, there are times when you think that he may not be human. However, it seems that the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner doesn’t share such notions. Starting from pre-season, Inter Miami star’s campaign has been marred with injuries. At the age of 36, Messi is no spring chicken and admits that “Rest is very important nowadays”. Throughout his career, especially during his younger days, the playmaker has been relatively on the luckier side when it comes to injuries.

The most games he has missed because of fitness issues was 19 in the 2006/07 season due to a metatarsal fracture. However, it’s safe to say that he isn’t exactly enjoying his current spell on the sidelines. Recently, on the Big Time Podcast, Lionel Messi said (translated via Google), “As we get older, everything is more difficult. I don’t do anything special or different from other players in moments of physical recovery”. But what is at the top of the priority list for the soccer icon?

He also added, “My profession, including my family, has always been the most important thing.” That Argentine icon has always been a family man and they undoubtedly would have his back amid these difficult times. Currently, Lionel Messi is out because of an ‘overload ‘ in his right leg. As a result, he was even sidelined for Argentina’s game against El Salvador, which they won 3-0.

For Inter Miami, life without Lionel Messi has been a mixed bag. They suffered their first loss of the season against CF Montreal, a game in which Messi was absent. However, they had a convincing win against DC United in his absence, but badly lost the NY Red Bulls tie. Undoubtedly, they are a better side with their captain pulling the strings. And fortunately, he could be back sooner rather than later.

Tata Martino offers a positive Lionel Messi update

On the eve of the Red Bulls tie, the Herons boss, Tata Martino, provided a health status report on Lionel Messi. He said, “Recovering. Yeah, it’s been a few days, he [Messi] goes out on the field. He is improving day by day so we are paying attention to his evolution.” Hearing this, one reporter asked if the club’s captain could feature in upcoming matches. But, as per Martino, it was too ‘premature‘ to do so.

He added, ” No, that is very premature. We still have to wait for at least next week.” Inter Miami’s next game is on 31st March, 8 days after the Red Bulls tie against New York City. However, New York City is 14th in the standings, and it will be interesting to see if Martino involves his prized asset in the match. Notably, his recent injury is causing him to also miss playing for the Argentina NT.

What’s your take on Lionel Messi’s fitness issues in the last six months? Tell us below in the comments.

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