One of Argentina’s greatest football stars, Lionel Messi, went through not only the path to football glory but also serious health challenges in his childhood. His childhood doctor, Diego Schwarzstein, recently told “Super Express” in detail about those years.
First diagnosis and tough decisions
According to Schwarzstein, he met Messi through the management of his favorite club, “Newell’s Old Boys.” “They told me there are thousands of boys, but this one is undoubtedly the most talented. Leo was only 10 years old then, and his height was very short — less than 125 centimeters,” he said.
After four months of examinations, it was revealed that Messi’s body did not produce enough growth hormone. This condition occurs in only one out of 20,000 children. The family was in poor financial condition, making treatment even more difficult.
Treatment and mental strength
Schwarzstein treated Leo for over three years, giving him daily growth hormone injections in the arm or leg. “He never complained; his goal was clear — to play football at the highest level,” said the doctor. The treatment lasted four years in total, and around 1,400 injections were administered.
Financial crisis and turning point
In 2000–2001, Argentina’s economic crisis put the treatment at risk. The cost was $1,300 per month, which became hard to cover. Schwarzstein suggested moving to Barcelona, where he was studying. The Catalan club covered part of the expenses, but 70% of the treatment had already been completed in Argentina.
Doctor’s assessment
According to Schwarzstein, this treatment is not “doping.” “We simply leveled his chances with others. Without the medication, he would have been 10–15 centimeters shorter and could never have reached his current level,” he stressed.
Memory and respect
The last conversation with Messi was in 2014. Schwarzstein attended Barcelona matches and maintains a good relationship with his father.
Thus, behind Messi’s great career stands not only his talent and hard work but also the people who believed in him and helped in childhood — especially his doctor, Schwarzstein.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
