Lionel Messi has maintained an extensive health regime after facing health challenges a decade ago, incorporating an Argentinian tradition into his lifestyle.
Imagine being as fit as Messi at 39. Unlike many, entering the World Cup or having a prolific career with over 910 goals is not feasible for most at his age.
So, what’s his secret? It might be related to his dietary choices and self-care practices.
Football players often start retiring around the age of 34, according to Jobs in Football, yet Messi continues to defy that trend.
Fortunately, if you aim to stay fit, you can try to emulate Messi’s regimen, though it requires dedication.
His nutritionist reveals that his regimen excludes many indulgences people typically enjoy.
This approach has evidently benefited his health tremendously.
Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser began advising Messi in 2014, a time when Messi’s habits included consuming soda and chocolate, which coincided with soft tissue injuries and frequent vomiting, as cited by VT.
Poser identified five critical foods for Messi to enhance his overall health and prolong his career, as reported by the outlet.
These essentials include water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables, cutting out soda and pizza in favor of natural substitutes.
“Also very good are nuts and seeds,” Poser explained to the Independent.
“[Sugar] is the worst thing for the muscles. The farther he stays away from sugars, the better,” he continued. “Refined flours are also a big problem as these days, it’s difficult to find uncontaminated wheat.”
Poser also recommends reducing meat intake, stating: “The amount of meat normally eaten by Argentinians and Uruguayans is too much, as it is difficult to digest.
As a result, Messi has avoided pizza and soda for 12 years, reportedly eliminating his vomiting and soft tissue issues, as noted by VT.
If Poser’s methods seem intense, he counters by saying: “My methods are not in doubt, everyone can see Leo week in, week out.”
In addition to Poser’s guidance, Messi starts each day with yerba mate, a beverage he drinks from a traditional gourd dating back to his childhood.
Yerba is a natural alternative to coffee, and in a 2019 Marca interview, Messi shared it’s a drink he’s always enjoyed.
“I like a hot and bitter mate. I used to drink it sweet, but then I got used to the bitterness and I drink it like that.”
Are you considering trying out his routine?