Lionel Messi and Growth Hormone Deficiency: The condition that almost ended La Pulgas career

Arguably the greatest player of his generation, Lionel Messi’s career didn’t start on a bright note. The boy from Argentina was far from becoming a legend as he was diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency when he was 11. Lionel Messi faced loads of disappointments because of his medical condition.

Lionel Messi and his family were aware of his growing condition and tried convincing his first club, Newell’s Old Boys, to handle some expenses. Clubs like River Plate and Newell’s rejected their request to pay the medical bills and eventually missed out on signing Lionel Messi. He came from a middle-class background. Paying $ 900 in medical bills monthly wasn’t something they could afford.

If those clubs knew what this young Magician could do, things would have been different for Argentine football. Spanish scouts saw a young prospect in Messi and immediately suggested the Barcelona board make this transfer happen. FC Barcelona recognized his talent and decided to pay for his medical bills.

Lionel Messi has now become the heart of Argentina football. Football legend Diego Maradona always had a big bowl of praise for the youngster. His efforts for his club and his country made him the best footballer of this generation. Messi will surely retire as the most influential player of this generation.

He also faced much criticism years ago from the people from Argentina. After losing multiple international competitions, Argentines burnt Messi’s posters in the country’s capital. The Argentine failed to win a single international trophy with his national team in his senior career until 2021.

He turned the World around in the past year as he won the Copa America final against Brazil and the FIFA World Cup final against France. After Argentina’s victory, the streets of Buenos Aires were crowded by 4 million people singing Lionel Messi’s name. They celebrated their country becoming World Champions. Imagine what would have been if that scout had never found him.

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What is Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Growth Hormone Deficiency, or GHD, is a condition that is caused due to the lack of growth hormones produced in the body. Due to this phenomenon, the individual is likely to grow “abnormally” with much shorter body proportions. The people who suffer from GHD have difficulty maintaining reasonable growth rates compared to others.

Ideally, GHD is treated by regular injections of synthetic human growth hormones. This practice is common in children who suffer from this condition to cure it as early as possible. The treatment is done for several years. GHD patients can be either born with this deficiency or caught later in life.

GHD is also caused by a hormonal disorder or inappropriate food intake, which can cause the growth hormones to stop releasing themselves. It is a common disease, and many celebrities have been treated with it at some point. Lionel Messi is also one such celebrity who overcame this disease and became the best footballer in the world.

How did FC Barcelona support Lionel Messi to battle Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona last year for PSG. Although, it wasn’t a decision that he too on his own. The Barca legend has been loyal to them and never even thought of leaving the club. He even mentioned in an interview that he wished to end his career at the Catalan club.

Have you ever wondered why Lionel Messi thinks so highly of this club? It is because FC Barcelona was the one who saved La Pulga from his medical condition. The best footballer in the world couldn’t have played football if it wasn’t for the Spanish side. They agreed to pay Messi’s expenses and gave him the life he is living now.

The kid from Rosario came to Barcelona when he was 13 years old. Even his flight tickets were booked by the Barcelona club as his family could not afford an international trip back then. Lionel Messi believes he will always be in debt to Barca, but honestly, he has given them much more than what he owed the Catalans.

Also Read-Who is Lionel Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo? All you need to know about the couple’s dating history

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