Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, is ending 2024 with his fewest appearances in nearly 20 years. This drop in his number of games raises questions about his future and could signal the beginning of the end for the Argentine legend. But while his appearances have decreased, Messi's impact on the field remains undeniable.
A Decline in Appearances: What Does It Mean?
For nearly two decades, Messi has been a consistent presence on the field, rarely missing a match. Throughout his career, he has averaged around 57 matches per season, with a peak of 76 games in 2014. However, since his World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, his number of appearances has been steadily declining.
In 2022, Messi played 51 matches across club and country, followed by 44 games in 2023. As of the end of 2024, Messi has played only 35 matches, marking the lowest total of his career since his early years at Barcelona. Even in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi played more games (46) than he has this year, suggesting that 2024 could be a turning point in his illustrious career.
Messi's Impact Remains Strong
Despite the reduced number of matches, Messi's quality on the field has not diminished. In his 25 appearances for Inter Miami in MLS, Messi scored 23 goals, proving that he can still deliver at the highest level. His performances have continued to captivate fans and demonstrate that he remains a world-class talent, even if his time on the field is now more limited.
Argentina's National Team: No Immediate Concerns
While Messi's reduced playing time may raise concerns, Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, has downplayed the significance of Messi’s extended rest. “We’re talking about a few weeks off, which may not mean much. It doesn’t affect the national team because we’re playing now (against Paraguay and Peru) and won’t compete again until March. The feeling is that Inter Miami could have reached the finals, but regarding rest, it doesn’t change anything for us,” Scaloni explained.
Messi will conclude 2024 with 11 appearances for Argentina, including matches in the Copa América and the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Despite missing some fixtures due to injuries, Messi has still managed to score six goals, including a hat-trick against Bolivia and goals against Guatemala and Canada.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
Messi's contract with Inter Miami extends into 2025, and while his playing time may be more limited in the coming years, his role with Argentina and the club remains crucial. Argentina’s next competitive matches will be in March 2025, and Messi’s contributions will undoubtedly be vital in their pursuit of success.
“We’re hungry for more next season”, Messi said