Lionel Messi is one of the finest players in world football, and his magical performances on the international stage have won him millions of devoted fans. That fascination extends to his lifestyle and eating habits, and supporters never tire of asking what the football great’s favourite foods are and what fills his daily menu.
Messi rarely speaks about his private life, but through his nutritionists it is known how he keeps himself fit. He stays in shape mainly through hard work, discipline, a science-based diet and healthy living.
Though he is worth millions of dollars and could sample luxury dishes from around the world, Messi’s favourite food is not some expensive European dish. It is an Argentine dish tied to childhood memories and made by his mother that tops his list.
Favourite food: his mother’s milanesa napolitana
In various interviews Messi has said his favourite food is milanesa napolitana. It is essentially a breaded cutlet of meat or chicken, topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese. But what is most special to Messi is the milanesa made by his mother, Celia Cuccittini. In one interview he said that although he has eaten many fine milanesas around the world, he has never seen any surpass the taste of his mother’s cooking.
Argentina’s traditional asado
Another of Messi’s favourite foods is asado. It is Argentina’s traditional barbecue, in which various meats including beef, lamb and sausage are slowly grilled over fire. In Argentina, asado is not just food but an important part of family and friends gathering together. A large grill has been installed at Messi’s Miami home, where he enjoys asado with his family.
A weakness for pasta, chocolate and ice cream
Even while following a strict diet, Messi is very fond of sweets. In one interview he said pasta, chocolate, dulce de leche (a milk-based Argentine sweet) and ice cream are all favourites. He has had a particular weakness for sweets for a long time. But to stay fit, he eats such foods in moderate amounts.
Yerba mate
One of Messi’s most familiar habits is drinking yerba mate. He is often seen on social media sipping it from a special cup. Popular in South America, the drink is known as an alternative to coffee and contains high levels of natural caffeine. In one interview Messi said that while he used to prefer sweet mate, he now drinks it bitter. Research has shown yerba mate to be rich in antioxidants. It helps reduce fatigue, boost energy, keep blood sugar levels under control and lower cholesterol.
His diet has changed
Although he loved pizza, soft drinks and various heavy foods in his younger years, Messi changed his diet as he grew older. On his nutritionists’ advice he cut down on sugar, excess red meat and processed food. His menu now contains more fresh vegetables, fruit, various grains, fish, olive oil and vitamin-rich natural foods.
According to his nutritionists, eating salad or vegetables first, then fish or meat, and finally rice or carbohydrate-type food keeps blood sugar from rising quickly and gives a longer feeling of fullness. Messi eats in exactly that order. For athletes, complex carbohydrates such as grains, lentils and potatoes are very important, his nutritionists say, and when combined with protein from eggs, fish, chicken or soy, the body gets the energy it needs.
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