Lionel Messi's height problem almost cost him his career

Six times world footballer of the year Lionel Messi could not have had the career he has today if the growth hormone disorder (GHD) he had was not treated by Barcelona. The club signed him as a 13year old boy from Argentina and took charge of his health bills so that he can reach a specific height and maximise his football potential.

What problem did Messi have?

Lionel Messi had a growth problem called growth Hormone Disorder or GHD. The disease is also known as dwarfism or pituitary, it is a growth deficiency condition that is caused when there's insufficient amount of growth hormone in the body resulting in abnormally small stature with normal body proportions.

What did Barcelona do to help Messi?

The treatment for the growth hormone disorder or GHD is an injection called human growth hormone. It helps the individual to which it is administered to to gain height and also to help regulate other internal issues and help boost their immunity and other body functions. The treatment cost about $900 monthly and must be administered for at least 24 months, Barcelona covered the costs and ensured it was stopped when Lionel Messi turned to an adult so it won't affect him in other aspects.

Which clubs rejected Messi because of the condition?

Lionel Messi was playing for Newell's Old Boys in Argentina when he was discovered to have the condition. Messi's family could not afford the expenses of his treatment so as the club Newell's Old Boys and he was offered to Argentine giants River Plate who also despite his enormous potential passed on the chance to sign him. Barcelona who took up the treatment had opposition from some board members who felt it was a waste of money and that the money was more than the salary of an academy player.

What could have prevented the treatment?

The growth hormone used in treating Messi is a banned substance in most sports and this was where it was difficult and Messi could have missed it. He enjoyed an exceptional rule that allows for urgent use where the exemption could be applied for so he could use it. The Therapeutic Use Exemption as stated in section 46 of FIFA's anti-doping rules allows for the use of banned substances if it is considered medically necessary. It is unsure whether Messi got the exception as the World Anti-Doping Agency didn't start testing until 2004 whereas Messi's treatment was stopped in 2002.

Messi now stand at an height of 5ft 7in which is the average height of Argentina. He progressed quickly through the ranks of Barcelona and made the senior team still a teenager, he went on to have a senior spectacular career at the club for 15year before financial regulations of the league was against his contract renewal and he left the club.