The Incident That Left Lionel Messi With a Broken Cheekbone
For soccer fans, especially those in America who have come to appreciate the brilliance of Lionel Messi, the thought of their idol suffering an injury can be concerning. While Messi is known for his incredible agility and resilience on the field, there was an instance where he sustained a significant facial injury: a broken cheekbone. This particular incident, though not as widely discussed as some of his more celebrated on-field moments, did happen and is worth revisiting for those curious about the details.
When Did This Happen?
The unfortunate event that led to Lionel Messi breaking his cheekbone occurred during a pre-season friendly match. Specifically, it was on July 28, 2019, during a game between his then-club, Inter Miami CF, and Barcelona. This was during the International Champions Cup, a series of exhibition matches played by top European clubs during their pre-season tours.
What Exactly Happened?
The injury happened during the first half of the match. While contesting for the ball, Messi was involved in a collision with an opponent. The exact moment of impact is often described as an accidental clash. Reports from the time indicate that it was a **high elbow or arm from an opposing player** that struck Messi in the face. This forceful impact directly led to the fracture of his cheekbone.
The Opponent Involved
The player who was involved in the collision with Messi was Adama Traoré, who was playing for Barcelona at the time. It's important to note that the incident was widely considered to be accidental, a consequence of the aggressive nature of a football match, and not a malicious act.
Immediate Aftermath and Diagnosis
Following the collision, Messi was visibly in pain and required medical attention. He was immediately substituted out of the game. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury: a fractured cheekbone. This diagnosis naturally raised concerns about his ability to participate in upcoming matches and potentially his playing form.
How Did This Impact His Play?
While a broken cheekbone is a serious injury, Messi's resilience and the medical team's swift action played a crucial role in his recovery. He didn't require surgery, which was a positive sign. However, he did have to wear a protective mask for a period of time when he returned to the field. This was to prevent further injury to the already fractured area and to allow it to heal properly. The mask, often a common sight for players with facial fractures, became a temporary fixture in his on-field appearance.
Messi's Return to the Field
Despite the injury, Messi's determination to play was evident. He returned to training and matches relatively quickly, albeit with the protective mask. This demonstrated his commitment to his team and the sport, even when facing a physical setback. The period with the mask allowed him to continue contributing to Inter Miami's efforts while his cheekbone healed.
Summary of the Event
In essence, Lionel Messi broke his cheekbone on July 28, 2019, during a friendly match against Barcelona while playing for Inter Miami. The injury occurred due to an accidental collision with Barcelona's Adama Traoré, where Traoré's arm or elbow struck Messi in the face. He was substituted out of the game, and after diagnosis, returned to play with a protective mask to aid in his recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How severe was Messi's cheekbone injury?
The injury was confirmed as a fractured cheekbone. While serious enough to require immediate attention and a protective mask upon return, it did not necessitate surgery and allowed for a relatively quick comeback to the field.
Why did Messi have to wear a mask after breaking his cheekbone?
Messi wore a protective mask to shield his fractured cheekbone from any further impact during matches. This measure was to ensure the area could heal properly and to prevent re-injury while he continued to play.
Was the incident with Adama Traoré intentional?
No, the collision that resulted in Messi's broken cheekbone was widely reported and understood to be accidental. It was a consequence of the competitive nature of a football match and not an intentional act by Adama Traoré.
When did Messi break his cheekbone?
Lionel Messi broke his cheekbone on July 28, 2019, during a pre-season friendly match.
