One of the greatest footballers ever, Lionel Messi has left fans awestruck with his incredible ability and unrivalled commitment to the game of football. Well, one common question that comes to mind is his height.
Despite standing shorter than so many giants of the game, Messi is the biggest and the best there is.
So, in writing this post we will look into the truth regarding Messi as regards to his height, and how it has affected his gameplay and his football career as a whole.
Introduction to Messi as a Renowned Footballer
Lionel Messi, regarded by many as the best football player ever, and his legacy are very telling.
Messi was just 17 when he began the first of five seasons on top of the world as the world’s best player in 2009 and he was born with talent.
He only launched his quest for football stardom by enrolling in FC Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.
There is no dispute over Messi’s achievements on the field, as he holds numerous records and distinctions, such as winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards.
The Mystery Behind Messi’s Listed Height
Lionel Messi Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) Well, there’s not a reputable number to be seen.
There has been something of an ongoing debate within Vikings fandom, and among analysts, as to whether this measurement is accurate or maybe just a touch inflated.
Sometimes official statistics from clubs and sports organisations may round up or down the height of players for one reason or another.
Insights Into Messi’s Actual Height
This is notably lower than Messi’s height that stands at 5 foot 7 inches (170cm), though a number of sources claim the Argentine is closer to 5 foot 6 inches (168cm).
While this slight discrepancy has piqued fan interest. To give you another reference, let’s compare the height of Messi with the height of some famous athletes.
For, say, Cristiano Ronaldo, he is 6-foot-2 tall or 187 cm, which is notably taller.
However, both players have performed at elite levels in their careers, which goes to show how talent goes beyond mere size and measurables.
How Messi’s Height Affects His Gameplay
This would lead one to ask, how does Messi’s height affect his style of play?
Messi made for a small opponent, but despite standing at only 1.70m with sports shoes, his low center of gravity provides him with surprising stability and nimbleness.
This allows him to change direction as well as to get out of tackles and keep the ball in tight spaces.
He packs a bag of tricks when dribbling, and he is very agile on the field.
What is more, Messi is not limited in finding the back of the net by his height. A potent left-footer with a real eye for goal
It matters little if it is from a free-kick or the edge of the area, Messi’s perfection in technique rarely falters.
The Influence of Height in Football
Your size can matter, especially on the football pitch where physicality and dominance in the air are both very important, especially if you’re playing in goal or at the heart of the defence.
But for attacking players such as Messi, the necessities of speed, agility and technical ability typically trump height.
There are a number of footballers that have made it despite not being particularly tall.
An Argentine legend named Diego Maradona, one of Messi’s compatriots, only had a height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), but went on to become one of the greatest to ever play the game.
The same goes for Brazilian superstar Romário, who stood at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) stole headlines with his incredible goal-scoring prowess.
Conclusion
The height of Lionel Messi, whatever it stands at, be it 5 feet 7 inches or a little bit lower, has not held him back down the years.
Instead it has helped in crafting his own interpretation which in turn has seen him set the field of fire.
Messi’s journey stands as a testament to young wannabe footballers and fans that greatness does not only come from the body but also from the soul, true grit and passion.
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