It is hard to forget the image of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi vomiting on the pitch during a game, some time back.
But the 30-year-old has now revealed why that happened and how a simple change in diet has helped him recover from the sickness.
Speaking in an interview with La Cornisa TV, Messi said: “I ate badly for many years: chocolates, fizzy drinks, and everything. That is what made me throw up during games. Now I look after myself better. I eat fish, meat, salads. Everything is organised and taken care of.”
The Argentine genius also talked about how he has matured over the years, not just as a footballer but as a human being as well.
“I’ve learned to live the way I do, to be myself because at the end of the day it’s easier to do it that way. I don’t think too much about how I have to act because of constantly being watched. I’m aware that whenever I speak there are many people that listen, that there are repercussions. I always try to think about what I say in order not to generate controversies.”
Messi with his wife Antonella and son.
Messi also talked about his children. He recently welcomed his third son, Ciro.
“The last time I cried for joy was when my son Mateo was born. By the time the third one came, I was already used to it!”
The Barca superstar admits that the birth of his first son Thiago had a big impact on who he is as an individual and taught him an important aspect of life.
“The arrival of my first son [Thiago] made me open my mind, not to focus solely on my profession, on football. Of course I don’t like to draw or lose but I take it differently. There are many important things other than a result.
“In the end it’s a game and everyone wants to win, be a champion and be the best. But at times it’s not possible. You can’t always win and not always the best one wins. I learned that when it’s over, there are other things… being with my children, my wife, my family, the rest is secondary.”