Five Downtimes In Lionel Messi’s Career: When Injuries Tried To Stop The G.O.A.T

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time, a player whose genius has mesmerized fans for nearly two decades. But even the G.O.A.T has faced moments when injuries forced him off the pitch, leaving his clubs to adapt without their talisman.

From early career setbacks at Barcelona to his recent blow at Inter Miami, Messi’s journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and unforgettable comebacks. Here’s a look at five notable downtimes in Messi’s career, and how his teams fared when he was sidelined.

1. The Latest Setback – 2025 Muscle Injury at Inter Miami

In early August 2025, Inter Miami fans were left holding their breath when Messi limped off the pitch during a tense MLS fixture. Initial reports confirmed a muscle strain that could keep him out for weeks.
Without Messi’s vision and creativity, Inter Miami’s attack looked blunt in the following matches. Although the team scraped a couple of wins, the absence of their captain was evident in slower build-ups and reduced goal-scoring chances.

2. 2013 Hamstring Nightmare at Barcelona

The 2012/13 season saw Messi in frightening form, breaking goal-scoring records week after week—until a recurring hamstring injury forced him to miss several key matches in late 2013.
Barcelona managed to stay competitive, thanks to Neymar and Alexis Sánchez stepping up, but their attacking rhythm wasn’t the same. The team finished the season trophyless, a rare occurrence in the Messi era.

3. 2015 Knee Ligament Injury – 8 Weeks Out

Messi suffered a tear in the internal collateral ligament of his left knee in September 2015, keeping him out for nearly two months. During this period, Barcelona adapted, with Luis Suárez and Neymar taking on the attacking burden.
Interestingly, the famed MSN trio reunited just in time for the El Clásico, where Messi came off the bench to inspire a memorable 4–0 demolition of Real Madrid.

4. 2006 Thigh Strain – Missing the Champions League Final

One of Messi’s earliest career setbacks came in March 2006, when a thigh strain sidelined him during Barcelona’s Champions League run.
Although Frank Rijkaard’s team lifted the trophy after defeating Arsenal in the final, Messi later admitted in interviews that missing that match was one of the most painful moments of his early career.

5. 2023 PSG Hamstring Injury Before Champions League Clash

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi picked up a hamstring injury that forced him to miss a crucial Ligue 1 match and raised doubts about his availability for the Champions League round of 16.
Although he eventually returned, the injury disrupted PSG’s rhythm. Without Messi, the Parisians relied heavily on Kylian Mbappé, but their European campaign ended earlier than fans had hoped.

Resilience Beyond the Pain

Each injury in Messi’s career has been a test of his determination. Time and again, he’s returned not only to his peak but often in even better form. His clubs have managed to cope in his absence, but the reality remains that when Messi plays, football feels alive.