Today, We speak of an attacker who redefines convention and changes what we know football to be. Lionel Messi. A trail blazer whose blaze eclipses what we once had of football in such conspicuous fashion. Diego Maradona, Pele, Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho Gaucho can all rest as luminaries of a ancient era, Messi today defines what the new is.
From the Sidelines examines highlights of his career. Not goals, records, wages and followership but something seemingly insignificant and almost unnoticeable about this prodigy. His professional health & fitness.
2005/2006 Season
Messi sustains a muscle tear in his right thigh on 7th March 2006 in the 23rd minute of the 2nd leg second round UEFA Champions League game against Chelsea in which Barcelona drew 1-1 to qualify on a 3-2 aggregate to qualify for the next round.
Messi sustains a broken metatarsal on 12th November 2006 against Real Zaragoza. He was sidelined for 3 months but returned on 10th March to nail a hat-trick against Real Madrid in the traditional El-Classico league match.
2006/2007 Season
Messi enjoys a virtually injury free season with no major health event to worry about.
2007/2008 Season
Messi sustains a muscle tear in his left thigh on 4th March, 2008 against Celtic in a Champions League game. He was sidelined for six weeks. This injury made it the fourth of its kind occuring in three seasons for the footballer.
2008/2009 Season
Messi as once before enjoys a virtually injury free season.
2009/2010 Season
Messi enjoys a second consecutive injury free season.
2010/2011 Season
Messi sustains a sprain in the internal and external ligaments of his ankle on 19th September, 2010 courtesy a reckless tackle by Atletico Madrid defender - Tomas Ujfalusi. At first glance, commentators opined that a broken ankle had occurred and the forward might be out for 6 moths with a broken ankle. He returned two months later on 20th November, 2010.
2011/2012 Season
Messi once again enjoys a virtually injury free season.
Looking at this you are compelled to admire the chap's fitness and minimal proneness to injury. Agile, fast, dexterous and influential. Amidst these accolades and sterling performances, here, you have your typical legend.
From the Sidelines seconds any motion directed at erecting a huge golden effigy of Lionel Messi at the front of the Nou Camp stadium. Hail the Maestro!
