Lionel Messi admits to having undergone psychological therapy and reveals the hidden side behind the spotlight.
Superstar Lionel Messi surprised many by revealing he once needed psychological help, had unusual drinking habits, and was bewildered by the wave of AI technology.
In his luxurious suite overlooking Inter Miami Stadium, Lionel Messi shed his "superhero" image to acknowledge his very human side. From his past experiences with psychological therapy and his fear of technology, particularly ChatGPT, to his habit of mixing alcohol with soft drinks, all of this paints a very different portrait of El Pulga behind the glitz and glamour of the football field.
The psychological battle and the days of being the 'odd one'.
One of the most poignant moments of the interview on the show Antes Que Nadie was when Messi looked back on a time of self-doubt. He didn't hesitate to describe his past self as "a weird bad guy." That was a time when the pressure from both the national team and his club weighed heavily on him, causing him to become withdrawn and live in constant anxiety.
Messi revealed a shocking detail: he had to seek the support of psychological therapists in Barcelona for a long period of time."Initially, I was very reluctant. I'm someone who likes to keep things to myself, both problems and pressures. I've changed a lot, but there are still many things that are difficult to talk about.""The 38-year-old superstar revealed."
Notably, Messi admitted that he is extremely organized to the point of being uncomfortable if his routine is disrupted. In the darkness of negative emotions, his son Mateo is one of the few people who can pull him out of his depression most quickly. This admission shows that even the greatest player in history faces common psychological barriers.
Confused by the wave of AI and the habit of 'mixing alcohol with Sprite'.
Amidst insightful stories, Messi delighted fans by sharing his perspective on his relationship with modern technology. While the world is buzzing about artificial intelligence, Messi admitted he remains a "primitive" individual. He watches TikTok quite a bit but is completely clueless about ChatGPT or AI.
The biggest contrast is right in his own home. While Messi mindlessly scrolls through TikTok, his wife Antonela is a true devotee of ChatGPT, frequently using it to ask for recipes and life advice. Messi has also expressed his weariness with the problem of AI technology being misused to fake his statements on social media.
In addition, the Argentinian superstar revealed a unique culinary preference: mixing wine with Sprite soda."It's sweet and helps the wine 'take effect' faster, making you feel relaxed immediately.""This habit shatters the image of an athlete who always maintains a strict diet, bringing him closer to ordinary fans," Messi explained.
The dream of becoming president and leaving a legacy in America.
When discussing the final chapter of his career, Messi publicly expressed his ambition to own his own football club in the future. Currently, he is focusing his efforts on the Messi Cup – a tournament for U15-U16 players aimed at providing international experience for young players in the United States.
He wants to bring the DNA of the prestigious La Masia academy to the United States, helping young talents grow with a modern football mindset. After completing his collection of titles with the Albiceleste, Messi is now enjoying his freedom in Miami: picking up his children from school, going to the supermarket, and sipping a glass of wine mixed with Sprite with his family.
The conversation concluded with a message of boundless gratitude. Behind the glitz and glamour, there were not only cheers, but also the quietude of the therapy room and the simple happiness of living true to oneself at the age of 38.
