Sporting Heroes Month: Lionel Messi

Presented in association with MaxiNutrition.As Sporting Heroes Month nears its end, we’re celebrating our penultimate athlete: 27-year-old Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. Take a look…Top Sporting Achievement:

Messi has racked up the most FIFA Ballon d’Or awards winning 4 in total, including the original Ballon d’Or award which ended in 2009.

Better Half: Messi has been with his long-term girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo, since 2009 and the couple have a son together, Thiago, who was born in November 2012.

Best Attribute: That cheeky grin.

Sporting Quote: “I’m lucky to be part of a team who help to make me look good, and they deserve as much of the credit for my success as I do for the hard work we have all put in on the training ground.”

Special Weapon: Messi’s strength is his speed and acceleration. Former FC Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, once said: “Messi is the only player that runs faster with the ball than he does without it.”

Style: Messi is ironically smart, looking dapper in a suit and skinny tie or tux with bow tie.

Training Tip: Before a match, Messi invests his time in sleeping rather than being awake. He never takes any wheat-related products as carbohydrates can slow down the body. Instead, he apts for porridge or egg whites for an ideal balance of proteins and carbs.

In The Game: He plays number 10 forward position.

Wins: Three time consecutive winner of FIFA Ballon d’Or: 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Attitude: “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”