CR7 was getting the same rough treatment from EPL defenders on a weekly basis around the same age R9 suffered his two career changing injuries. Yet, he was still virtually injury free throughout his United career. Genetics and fitness definitely plays a big role in how durable a player is (with ability to recover & recuperate game-to- game being crucial) especially when it comes to muscle-related injuries. CR only started receiving more “protection” later in his career as his prominence in the game rose. Plus, I don’t even think CR or Messi get protected that much. I think they’re just intelligent in how they evade and ride challenges. Messi still gets manhandled all the time.