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

Kyle Bonn

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

Now 37 years old and in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi has proven he can still perform close to his best after impressing during his first few months in MLS with Inter Miami.

With age, however, comes 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 has begun to rack up a lengthy injury list with Inter Miami, as a host of muscular problems in his adductor and hamstring start to accumulate.

An injury in the 2024 Copa America final, however, left him sidelined through the summer of 2024 for a different reason. Messi sprained his ankle quite badly, as he landed awkwardly while trying to deliver a cross into the penalty area. Inter Miami confirmed he will miss at least the first two matches back after the tournament, and it's unclear when he will be ready to return.

Inter beat Toronto FC 3-1 in Messi's absence on July 18 and will hope for similar success in the forthcoming home game against Chicago.

MORE: Tata Martino must change his approach to give Lionel Messi rest and keep him healthy

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 throughout 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.

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.

  • Ankle injury: Mon, Jul. 15, 2024 — TBD (Inter Miami, 2 matches minimum)
  • Hamstring injury: Wed, Mar. 13, 2024 — Sat, Apr. 5, 2024 (Inter Miami, 4 matches — Argentina, 2 matches)
  • 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.

ClubSeasonGames
Missed
Days
Out
Inter Miami2024210
Inter Miami2023416
PSG2022/23410
PSG2021/22520
Barcelona2020/21212
Barcelona2019/20748
Barcelona2018/19625
Barcelona2017/1828
Barcelona2016/17726
Barcelona2015/161875
Barcelona2014/1502
Barcelona2013/141783
Barcelona2012/13743
Barcelona2011/1200
Barcelona2010/1127
Barcelona2009/1028
Barcelona2008/0900
Barcelona2007/081563
Barcelona2006/071987
Barcelona2005/061884
Barcelona2004/0500
TOTAL 131601

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.