How Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser changed Lionel Messi’s diet, restored his health and sharpness, and helped set the stage for one of modern football’s great comebacks.
Giuliano Poser – A humble clinic, a big turning point
The story starts in Sacile, a small town about 90 km from Venice. There, a quietly determined sports physician and kinesiologist ran a modest clinic. His name was Giuliano Poser. When Lionel Messi — battered by the pain of losing the 2014 World Cup final and struggling with recurring physical issues — finally took a friend’s advice and booked a consultation, the meeting quietly altered the trajectory of his career.
This wasn’t drama. It was the kind of clinical, methodical work that changes results one day, one meal, one recovery session at a time.
What Giuliano Poser actually did: test, simplify, restore
Poser’s approach combined applied kinesiology (assessing muscle tone and functional links to internal balance) with a no-nonsense nutritional reset. He didn’t promise miracles; he offered disciplined, individualized care:
- remove common inflammatory triggers (refined sugar, many processed foods, excessive dairy and refined flour);
- prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods (water, extra virgin olive oil, whole grains, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds);
- simplify meal timing, hydration and recovery routines so the body could repair and perform.
The tone was clinical but humane: no gimmicks, just consistent choices that let the body work better.
Fast, visible gains — and why they mattered
“The body has been acquiring toxins, so if he wants to stay at the level he is at [Messi], he must change,” Poser said.
Within weeks, Messi reportedly dropped about 3.5 kg, stopped suffering frequent nausea during matches and regained a lighter, crisper movement on the pitch. Those small changes rippled outward:
- fewer muscle problems and better resilience across a demanding season;
- improved confidence in training and games;
- immediate match-day improvements that teammates and coaches noticed.
For a player who runs, turns and accelerates dozens of times each match — and who routinely plays 60–70 matches a year — a few kilos and steady digestion make a measurable difference.
The ripple effect at Barcelona
Messi’s improvements didn’t stay private. Barcelona benefited: the 2014–15 season ended in a treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League), and Messi’s form regained a razor-sharp efficiency. Poser flew in to consult multiple times that season, tailoring plans ahead of key fixtures and helping keep Messi fresh for the big moments.
Word-of-mouth turned a local clinic into a destination
When it became known that Messi was travelling to Sacile to see Giuliano Poser, interest exploded. Other top players followed: names reported to have sought advice or influence included Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Agüero. The clinic’s reputation spread not by ads but by real results — the most persuasive marketing there is.
Giuliano Poser – Not a miracle, just a system that lasts
Poser was clear: he wasn’t a magician. His success lay in systems — testing, removing stressors, rebuilding fuel, and supporting natural recovery. Over time, those systems helped reduce Messi’s injury frequency and gave him the physical baseline needed to perform at world-class levels for years to come.
So: did Giuliano Poser “win” Messi a trophy? No single person can claim that. But Poser did restore the physical conditions that let Messi compete at his best — an essential piece in a much larger puzzle.
Quick takeaways for coaches and players
- small, consistent changes beat dramatic fads;
- treat the athlete as a system (nutrition + function + recovery + psychology);
- real results travel fast — word-of-mouth from top performers is powerful.
FAQ — short answers readers search for
Who is Giuliano Poser?
An Italian sports physician, nutritionist and kinesiologist from Sacile who began working with Lionel Messi around 2014–2015 and helped overhaul his nutrition and recovery.
As well as footballers, Poser has also worked with cyclist David Rebellin, who won an Olympic medal in Beijing, although that was later confiscated due to doping allegations after the two had worked together.
What did Poser change in Messi’s diet?
He cut refined sugar and many processed foods, limited certain dairy and refined flour, and emphasized water, quality olive oil, whole grains, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Did Messi lose weight?
Reports mention a loss of roughly 3.5 kg after the diet change, along with fewer digestion-related issues and improved mobility.
Finally
This isn’t a heroic myth — it’s a pragmatic story about discipline, listening and the compounding value of small choices. Giuliano Poser didn’t wave a wand. He listened, tested, prescribed, and the athlete who followed the plan found a clearer, lighter path back to brilliance.
