Lionel Messi promotes Mediterranean diet, Brazil tailors plan

Lionel Messi, Argentina's leading forward heading to the 2026 World Cup, has confirmed he follows a Mediterranean diet as a core part of his training regimen. Nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez explains that the diet, rich in olive oil, fish, fruits, vegetables and legumes, supports heart health, lowers LDL cholesterol, aids blood‑sugar control, and provides omega‑3s that protect brain function and longevity.

Garcez outlines how the eating pattern can be adapted to Brazilian households, recommending local foods such as avocado, mango, berries, canned tuna or sardines, and substituting refined oils with olive oil. She cautions that lower animal‑protein intake may require careful planning for those with higher protein needs. The guidance aims to help Brazilians improve overall health while mirroring the nutritional strategy that Messi attributes to his sustained high‑level performance.