Messi's Dietary Shift: From Unhealthy Habits to Professional Performance
Before his career-extending dietary changes, Lionel Messi was famously known for having less-than-ideal eating habits for an elite athlete. Sources indicate that his younger years were filled with indulgences like pizza, fizzy drinks, and the traditional Argentine milanesa—a breaded and fried cut of meat. This led to health concerns, including on-pitch vomiting, prompting him to seek professional help to improve his fitness and longevity. His former manager, Pep Guardiola, even took drastic measures like removing a Pepsi machine from the training facility to curb Messi's unhealthy consumption.
The Influence of Nutritionist Giuliano Poser
In 2014, after a disappointing World Cup and experiencing persistent issues, Messi began working with Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser. This marked a pivotal moment in his career. Poser’s methodology, which reportedly includes kinesiology and Bach flower remedies in addition to dietary advice, steered Messi toward a much cleaner diet.
Poser's plan for Messi focused on a few core food groups:
- Water for hydration
- High-quality olive oil
- Whole grains
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
This new regimen meant cutting out or severely limiting sugar, refined flours, and processed foods, which Poser described as detrimental to muscles. He also specifically addressed the high meat consumption common in Argentine culture, advising Messi to reduce it significantly because of the difficulty in digesting large amounts.
Is Lionel Messi a Vegetarian or Vegan?
Despite widespread internet rumors suggesting Messi is either a vegetarian or vegan, there is no conclusive evidence to support this. In a 2018 interview with an Argentine TV channel, Messi stated, “I eat healthy now: fish, meat, salad,” directly confirming that he still consumes animal products.
What is accurate is that Messi has shifted to a more plant-based diet, prioritizing whole foods and reducing his meat intake. This has led to better overall health, reduced injuries, and sustained performance, particularly as he entered the later stages of his career. Some reports noted that for a time after the 2018 World Cup, he may have adopted a vegan diet during the playing season, but this has not been confirmed. Messi's social media posts have also shown him indulging in some non-vegan foods, like celebrating with barbecue in 2015, after beginning his dietary changes.
Comparison of Messi's Old vs. New Diet
| Feature | Old Diet (Early Career) | New Diet (Post-2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Consumption | Regular, including heavy Argentine barbecues and milanesa. | Significantly reduced, but not eliminated. Includes lean protein sources like chicken and fish. |
| Processed Foods | Frequent consumption of pizza, chocolate, and sugary snacks. | Strictly limited or eliminated. Focuses on natural, unprocessed ingredients. |
| Fizzy Drinks | Regular intake of soda, prompting coaches to intervene. | Replaced with water and mate tea, emphasizing hydration. |
| Carbohydrates | Included refined white bread with limited nutritional value. | Centered on complex carbohydrates from whole grains, sweet potatoes, and brown rice. |
| Healthy Fats | Not a focus. | Integral to the diet, sourced from high-quality olive oil, nuts, and seeds. |
The Role of Diet in Sustained Athletic Performance
Messi's case is a prime example of how even naturally gifted athletes must adapt their nutrition to maintain peak performance as they age. His transformation demonstrates that simply having a strict diet is not enough; the right kind of diet, tailored to an individual's needs, is crucial. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, limiting inflammatory agents like sugar, and prioritizing recovery-enhancing foods, Messi was able to reduce instances of vomiting, decrease injury rates, and extend his career at the highest level. This shows the immense power of nutrition not just for general health, but for unlocking and sustaining athletic excellence.
Conclusion
While Lionel Messi has a strong affinity for many plant-based foods, he is not a vegetarian or vegan and still includes fish and meat in his diet, albeit in limited and more selective quantities. His dietary journey is one of purposeful and intelligent change, moving away from the unhealthy habits of his youth towards a clean, whole-food-centric plan guided by top nutritionists. The lesson from Messi is that refining one's diet, even for the most talented athletes, is essential for prolonging a career and performing at the pinnacle of one's sport. His story highlights a transition towards healthier, more mindful eating, not a complete removal of all meat from his plate.
Additional Insights on Messi's Nutrition
Beyond the staples, Messi’s regimen also focuses on strategic timing of meals. Pre-match meals prioritize easily digestible foods, while post-match recovery focuses on re-fueling muscles with complex carbs and protein. This meticulous approach to nutrition, combined with his dedication to training, has cemented his legacy and serves as a model for aspiring athletes. It proves that sustained success requires a holistic commitment to one's body, on and off the field.
