Lionel Messi Is Called ‘La Pulga’ For This Reason
Argentinian footballer Lionel Andrés Messi is called different names and each name has a history. For some, he is Leo Messi and for others he is Messiah. But his family and childhood friends call him ‘La Pulga’ which translates into ‘the flea’ in Spanish.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Lionel Messi is called ‘La Pulga’ since he was a kid
• Messi had a growth hormone disorder that led to this moniker
• Some would call him ‘La Pulga Atomica’ or the atomic flea for his explosive talent
Why Is Lionel Messi Called ‘La Pulga’?
The Rosario native got this moniker while he was just a kid. Youngest of three brothers, Lionel Messi got this name due to his short stature. His two elder brothers called him ‘the flea’ and so did his childhood friends. But some Spanish media called him ‘La Pulga Atomica’ because of his explosive talent on the ground.
Did Lionel Messi Experience Problem With Growth?
It is learned that the footballer was suffering from growth hormone disorder (GHD) during childhood. It is due to GHD that he appeared short in stature and got the nickname ‘La Pulga’. But he got treated for GHD with financial help from Barcelona.
The story behind Spanish media calling him ‘La Pulga Atomica’ is equally interesting. Messi could be short in stature but his upper body strength is in no way smaller than his opponents on the ground. On the contrary, his short stature helps him maintain balance while dribbling. He has a low center of gravity that prevents him from falling while he dribbles or sprints with the ball.
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