Former Manchester City star Yaya Toure recently made a surprising revelation about Lionel Messi’s unique post-match routine during their time together at Barcelona. In an interview with GOAL, Toure disclosed that Messi had a special exemption from training after games, opting instead for massages to keep himself fresh for upcoming matches.
Toure, along with teammates Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry, were puzzled by Messi’s decision to skip training sessions and prioritize rest and recovery. Reflecting on his first year at Barcelona, Toure recalled his initial shock at Messi’s approach, stating, “We’d finish a game, we’d train. He’s resting [having] a massage.”
The trio of football legends questioned Messi’s unconventional post-match routine, with Toure revealing conversations with Eto’o and Henry about their teammate’s habits. Despite their confusion, the team recognized the importance of preserving Messi’s fitness, considering the physical toll of the tackles and kicks he endured on the pitch.
This revelation sheds light on Messi’s dedication to maintaining peak performance and highlights the unique strategies employed by elite athletes to stay at the top of their game. The story of Messi’s post-match massages offers a glimpse into the world of professional football and the lengths players go to in order to excel on the field.