Messi: I nearly joined South American giants, opens up on treatment | OneFootball

Argentine star Lionel Messi revealed details about his growth treatment and spoke about an opportunity at River Plate that could have changed the history of football.

In a lengthy interview published by Argentina’s Luzu TV last Tuesday (6), the current Inter Miami player from the United States shared details about his personal life and the turbulent start of his journey in the youth ranks.

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Treatment

Even before starting his story at La Masia, the Barcelona legend recounted how he was very close to leaving Newell’s Old Boys, his youth club, for River Plate, the Argentine giant.

As a child, he balanced life as a football player with an expensive treatment for a growth hormone deficiency that marked his childhood.

Initially, he was told by Newell’s that the club would cover the costs, but over time he faced a harsh reality of neglect, which he had to confront with his mother to get the necessary money. Messi expressed great discontent with a person at the club, whose name he chose not to mention, but he absolved the institution itself of blame for the turbulent process he had to endure.

Opportunity at River

In this context, the opportunity to transfer to River Plate arose. The star said he tried out for the team and was approved, and was even assured that the club could cover his treatment. However, Lionel needed to reach an agreement with Newell’s regarding his transfer. Because of this obstacle, the club from Rosario, Messi’s hometown, did not allow him to move to River.

(Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @riverplate)

Barcelona

After the disappointment, an offer from Barcelona came to the player, changing his life. At the Catalan club, Messi completed his treatment, turned professional, and made his mark in football history, collecting impressive achievements and records over more than 16 years.

The Argentine idol also revealed that leaving Barcelona was never his intention.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.