Argentine star Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo are one of the power couples in the world of soccer. They have reportedly known each other since their childhood and are loved by fans for their immense support for one another. Roccuzzo is almost regularly seen in the stands along with their kids, supporting Messi during his matches. One question that has been in the minds of people who have seen the couple together is who amongst the two is taller.
The World Cup winner has always been criticized for his height. Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency when he was just 11. Although his height of just 5 foot 7 inches didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest soccer stars of this generation. Although Antonella looks taller than her husband in photographs, in real life it seems the case is just the opposite. The Latina is just 5 foot 2 inches which makes her almost three inches shorter than her husband.
Leo Messi and Antonella at the airport.
Those heels 👠 make here look taller than Leo. 😜 #Messi #WeAreMessi pic.twitter.com/JRedXN5tKM
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) January 11, 2016
Messi is currently in the United States of America. This is after he made a shocking switch to the MLS side Inter Miami following his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain. There was a lot of chatter about Lionel Messi going back to Barcelona after his somewhat underwhelming stint in Paris. However, talks broke down and he ultimately chose Inter Miami over going to Saudi Arabia like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi had Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) growing up
The former FC Barcelona star joined the club at the age of 13 where he was offered treatment for his longstanding growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The La Liga Club offered to pay the entirety of Messi’s treatment in exchange for his services. These treatments were injections of Growth Hormones. But many accused Messi of also using HGH to enhance his performance in the game.
The first thing about HGH is that the use of it is banned from almost every sport and for all professionals. But as Messi was diagnosed with GHD, he was exempted from this under the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). This is in Section 46 under the FIFA Anti-doping Code.
Secondly, it’s still unknown whether Messi used HGH after 2004. This is because WADA didn’t start testing for HGH until 2004. Messi was 4 foot 2 inches when he began the treatment. Now he is 5 foot 7 inches after the treatment. Although the growth seems exponential, this is the average height of an Argentine male.
This has been a debatable topic for ages, whether Messi’s success is because of his talent or he rigged it. But there hasn’t been any proof to say that it’s anything other than talent.