This has been a very difficult season for Lionel Messi, who has been unable to find form for a consistent basis like he has done in the last five years. He has already suffered three injuries this season, while the latest injury is likely to keep him out of action for up to 8 weeks. A large part of his success has come about because he has been able to stay relatively injury free for the past three years. This latest round of injury has meant that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery are likely to overtake him in the race for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award.
Messi has won this award for the last four years, which is a record in itself. Many are starting to doubt whether the time of Messi at the top of football is over, but his Barcelona teammate Xavi thinks otherwise. The Spaniard says that Messi will only return back much stronger than before, which will spell trouble for the opposition. The 33-year-old midfielder has recalled that Messi has managed to play two games a week without much rest for the last four years. Such a gruelling schedule is likely to take an effect on any player and Messi is no exception.
“He is a very tough guy, mentally strong and he will return. He has had four or five years playing everything, remaining decisive in all the games, scoring two or three goals in many of them. He is the best in the world but the body says enough and so he must stop. The most important thing is that he recovers well. For us, he is the No.1 and we need him a lot. In January, he will return and prove to be the best,” said Messi’s teammate Xavi to a Spanish tabloid.