Few medical professionals have had the opportunity to work closely with a football icon like Lionel Messi. Italian doctor Giuliano Poser shared insights with the BetBrothers website about his role in supporting Messi during challenging periods of his career at FC Barcelona, when the Argentine star faced physical setbacks such as vomiting and muscle issues that prevented him from performing at his peak.
Dr. Poser revealed that his connection to Messi was fostered through notable figures in Argentine football. “I knew Jorge Cyterszpiler, Diego Maradona’s first agent, who has since passed away, as well as a teammate of Lionel’s on the Argentine national team, whose name I prefer not to disclose,” Poser explained. These connections were instrumental in persuading Messi to seek treatment in Sacile, northern Italy.
During this period, Messi regularly traveled to Italy for treatment sessions arranged with discretion to maintain his privacy. “We scheduled appointments for times when no one could recognize him. He came very regularly, and our collaboration was highly effective. We remain friends to this day,” Poser stated.
Bridging Language Barriers Through Mutual Understanding
Despite the language differences—Poser does not speak Spanish fluently and Messi’s Italian is limited—the doctor emphasized the mutual understanding that developed between them. “I always relied on an interpreter in Argentina. While I understand Spanish well, I speak it poorly. Messi, on the other hand, is a very perceptive and intelligent individual who understands Italian quite well, and I understand Spanish,” Poser noted, highlighting the communication that supported their successful work together.