What meat does Messi eat?

December 1, 2025 •

2 min read

Following his consultation with Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser in 2014, Lionel Messi drastically changed his eating habits, leading many to question what meat does Messi eat. Messi's dietary focus is now centered on whole, unprocessed foods to optimize his performance and reduce injuries.

Quick Summary

Lionel Messi dramatically reduced his red meat intake after adopting a performance-based diet rich in fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and chicken.

Key Points

Dietary Shift: Lionel Messi's diet fundamentally changed after consulting with Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser in 2014.
Reduced Meat Intake: He significantly decreased his consumption of red meat, a staple of his Argentine upbringing, to aid athletic performance.
Lean Protein Focus: Messi prioritizes lean protein sources like chicken and fish for muscle repair and recovery.
Plant-Based Foundation: The core of his diet is built on five key foods: water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables.
Occasional Indulgences: While he maintains a strict regimen, he still enjoys occasional traditional Argentine meat dishes in moderation.
Vegan Rumors: Reports of him following a strict vegan diet during some seasons remain unconfirmed by Messi himself.

Messi's Dietary Evolution

For much of his early career, Lionel Messi was known to enjoy traditional Argentine comfort foods, including dishes rich in meat such as Milanesa and Asado, along with pizza and sugary soft drinks. This led to frequent injuries and nausea during matches.

Around 2014, after a disappointing World Cup, Messi consulted Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser, who emphasized food as fuel and the need for clean nutrition. This marked a significant shift in his diet, particularly regarding meat consumption.

Limiting, Not Eliminating, Red Meat

A major change was reducing red meat intake. Poser advised that large amounts of red meat could be detrimental to muscles and digestion for athletes. Messi learned to consume it sparingly, which helped reduce muscular problems and improve digestion.

The Focus on Lean Proteins

Messi incorporated more lean proteins like chicken and fish to support muscle repair and recovery. These are easier to digest and provide essential amino acids. Pre-match meals might include chicken with vegetables and complex carbohydrates for energy.

The Core of Messi's Diet

The foundation of Messi's diet, according to Poser, is built on five key food groups: water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables. These provide hydration, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

The Vegan Rumor vs. Reality

Reports of Messi being fully vegan during the 2018 World Cup season were unconfirmed. It is more accurate to describe his diet as heavily plant-based with limited meat consumption rather than strictly vegan. He occasionally enjoys traditional Argentine barbecue, possibly during the off-season.

A Comparison: Past vs. Present Diet


Feature	Before 2014 (Younger Career)	After 2014 (Peak Performance)
Dietary Approach	Less structured, indulgent	Highly structured, performance-focused
Protein Focus	Heavy red meat (Milanesa, Asado)	Lean protein (fish, chicken), plant-based
Carbohydrates	Refined carbs (pizza, pasta)	Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa)
Fats	Saturated fats from meat, fried foods	Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds)
Hydration	Sugary soft drinks	Mineral water, Yerba Maté tea
Overall Impact	Prone to injuries, fatigue	Increased speed, reduced injuries, better stamina

Conclusion: Performance Through Moderation

Lionel Messi's diet has shifted from traditional Argentine cuisine to a performance-focused one, significantly reducing red meat for lean proteins like fish and chicken. His diet is now primarily plant-based, incorporating whole grains, fresh produce, and olive oil. This change, guided by Giuliano Poser, demonstrates the impact of mindful eating on athletic performance. You can read more about his dietary change in this article from {Link: ESPN https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/37420763/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on his nutritionist's advice, Messi eats significantly less red meat and focuses more on lean proteins like chicken and fish for muscle recovery.

No, he did not stop entirely but reduced his meat intake drastically. He still enjoys meat in moderation, and reports of a fully vegan diet are unconfirmed.

He changed his diet in 2014 to combat fatigue, reduce injuries, and address issues like vomiting before games, as advised by nutritionist Giuliano Poser.

Italian kinesiologist and nutritionist Giuliano Poser worked with Messi starting in 2014 to overhaul his diet.

Before 2014, Messi often ate processed foods, sugary drinks, pizza, and his favorite Argentine meat dishes like Milanesa.

Reports that Messi was fully vegan during some seasons have not been confirmed by the footballer. He does, however, follow a heavily plant-based diet.

The foundation of his diet, advised by Poser, includes water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables.

While he significantly reduced his red meat consumption, it is reported he still enjoys traditional Argentine barbecue on occasion.