Lionel Messi stands as an indisputable legend in football history, showcasing unparalleled prowess on the field.
His mesmerizing on-ball skills rank among the finest in the world, captivating fans and fellow players alike with dazzling runs, breathtaking dribbles, and spectacular goals.
A hallmark of Messi’s gameplay is his exceptional dribbling ability, enabling him to navigate past defenders with ease. His iconic goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where he outmaneuvered Jerome Boateng, catapulted him to viral fame and drew comparisons to Argentine icon Diego Maradona.
Despite his stature, smaller compared to many professional athletes, Messi’s diminutive size proves advantageous on the field. Matched against taller opponents, he demonstrates remarkable agility and finesse, exploiting every opportunity to showcase his unparalleled skill.
How tall is Messi?
Lionel Messi boasts a height of 5 feet 7 inches, equivalent to 1.70 meters, as per official records on the PSG website. His weight is listed at 72 kilograms, or 159 pounds.
Comparative studies from 2020 indicate that Messi’s height falls just slightly below the average for Argentine males, estimated at around 1.74 meters.
Given his stature, Messi’s style of play leans away from physicality, leveraging his low center of gravity to execute a fluid, dynamic game. He navigates through defenders effortlessly, relying on agility and skill rather than sheer physical force.
Lionel Messi’s Nickname
Messi’s small stature has earned him the nickname “La Pulga,” translating to “The Flea” in English.
Reportedly, Messi’s siblings affectionately called him “La Pulgita,” or “Little Flea,” a term that gradually evolved into “La Pulga.” At times, this moniker further transformed into “La Pulga Atómica,” or “The Atomic Flea.”
Throughout his youth, Messi consistently stood out as the smallest player on the field. Coupled with his Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) condition, Messi often played alongside older teammates, showcasing his exceptional skill across multiple age groups. Consequently, his height has always been a topic of discussion.
Lionel Messi and Growth Hormone Deficiency
At the age of 11, while playing for his hometown team Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel Messi received a diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), a condition that can impact an individual’s height. Standing at just 4 feet 2 inches (1.27 meters) tall at the time, Messi embarked on a regimen of daily hormone injections, commencing in January 1998. Describing the injections as routine, Messi likened them to a daily chore, “like cleaning my teeth.”
This diagnosis had a significant impact on Messi’s future with his club. Initially, Newell’s Old Boys had pledged to cover the substantial expenses of his treatment. However, following Argentina’s economic crisis later that year, the club reneged on their commitment. While the club contests the extent of Messi’s father Jorge’s allegations, they acknowledge their inability to fully fund the treatment.
In a remarkable turn of events, Spanish club Barcelona intervened when Newell’s Old Boys could not fulfill their promise. Subsequently, Messi made the transition to Catalonia, a move that would alter the course of football history forever.