Lionel Messi defeated a rare disease: the doctor named the symptoms of the footballer’s ailment

Lionel Messi is a symbol of tireless dedication, unrivaled skill and a passion that knows no bounds. The Argentine-born footballer has mesmerized fans around the world with his exceptional talent and precision on the pitch.

What we will tell you about

Lionel Messi’s illness

By the age of six, Messi was playing for local club Grandoli, which was coached by his father. His talent was undeniable, but soon young Lionel faced a problem – at the age of 10, the future star was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and his dream of a soccer career was threatened.

Lionel Messi

Then Messi began to be injected with growth hormones. However, the injections were expensive, his family could hardly continue such treatment. It was at that time that Barcelona came to their aid, noticing the youngster’s unique talent. The club offered the 13-year-old to cover all medical expenses if he moved to Spain. Messi and his family accepted the opportunity.

The treatment regimen was quite simple: the youngster injected himself in his leg every day, usually at night, to mimic the body’s natural rhythm of hormone production. This routine continued until he was 14 years old, when he reached his normal height. Barcelona soon replaced the injections with exercise and diet.

At age 11, Lionel Messi was 132 centimeters tall, he grew to 169 centimeters.

Growth hormone is considered a doping – professional athletes can use it only until the age of 18 and only for therapeutic use, that is, for medical reasons.

What is growth hormone deficiency?

Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor-endocrinologist of the branch of the Hadassah clinic in Skolkovo

“In the human body, pituitary hormones play a key role in all physiological mechanisms and processes. Sometimes there is a condition when this complex endocrine organ begins to work improperly and stops producing the substances we need. One such situation is growth hormone deficiency.”

This condition occurs when the pituitary gland (internal secretion organ) is unable to produce sufficient amounts of this hormone, so the body cannot adequately grow in height. This deficiency can occur at any stage of life, from infancy to adulthood, with varying degrees of severity.

During adolescence, the human body produces the hormone in large amounts to support the rapid growth that occurs during childhood and adolescence. This affects almost every tissue in the body, including bones and muscles. In addition, this hormone plays a key role in regulating body composition, body fluids, sugar and fat metabolism, and even heart function.

What are the causes of the disease?

The causes of this pathology can vary, but they are often associated with congenital anomalies, genetic mutations, head injuries or radiation therapy affecting the pituitary gland.

How does it manifest?

The main symptom in children is growth retardation – this can be noticed by comparing the child with his peers. Such “red flags” are often accompanied by delayed puberty and a slowdown in the rate of skeletal maturation.

Moreover, children with this disease may have a disproportionate body composition, characterized by an increase in the volume of adipose tissue and a decrease in muscle mass.

How is growth hormone deficiency treated?

Therapeutic interventions in the treatment of this pathology are aimed at restoring the physiological level of this hormone and activating the growth potential of the child. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is used in therapy. It is administered subcutaneously in a dosage that is selected according to the individual needs of the patient.

Detection of early signs of deficiency of this hormone is crucial, as it is important for children with this disease to receive treatment before the bone growth zones close. There is no correction of the deficiency in adults.