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      in Soccer

      I cured Lionel Messi of vomiting on the pitch with this simple remedy you can buy in Boots for less than £10

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      WHEN looking after the highest-profile athlete on planet earth, you might expect the most extravagant and expensive methods and materials would be used get them in tip-top shape.However, it turns out all you actually need is a flower remedy which can be picked up from Boots for less than £10.
      Lionel Messi was at a crossroads in his career in 2013Credit: EPA
      Messi paid Dr Giuliano Poser a visit in 2013
      Poser said him treating Messi changed his life
      At least that is the case if you are Dr Giuliano Poser, who oversaw the treatment of Lionel Messi from 2013 until 2018.
      Messi’s stunning career which has seen him win the World Cup and seven Ballon d’Or awards was threatening to unravel following a string of injuries which were impacting his form.
      The then Barcelona and Argentina star, already a legend of the game aged 26, enjoyed a diet of pizza, fizzy drinks and red meat.
      But as he got older, his body could no longer deal with the intensity of professional football and his lifestyle after bouts of vomiting on the pitch.
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      Something had to give.
      And that is where Italian nutritionist Dr Poser comes in.
      Messi flew to Sacile, in Italy to discuss his issues at Poser’s clinic.
      With a two-decade background as a sports medicine practitioner, Poser preached some unorthodox methods compared to his colleagues.
      Most read in Football
      Diet Overhaul
      Starting out, Poser ordered Messi to radically overhaul his diet.
      According to Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati, Messi was told to only eat what his body needed, rather than what it wanted.
      That meant foods not tolerated by the body were purged from his diet.
      Flour, yeast and wheat found in pizza, pasta and white bread were all out.
      Pork, beef, eggs, shellfish and diary products were cut too, meaning Messi would have to go without the Argentine favourite of asado – a driving force behind the reason Argentina stayed in Student Halls during the 2022 World Cup instead of a five-star hotel.
      Naturally, the ban extended to fizzy drinks and alcohol.
      While it was a lot to remove, Poser ensured they were replaced with a number of high-quality options.
      Organic and fresh foods such as vegetables and seasonal fruits, mineral water and a caffeine-rich tea drink called Mate – a South American speciality – came in to fill the void.
      Messi went on to lose 3kgs by the time the 2014/15 season rolled around.
      Poser explained: “Vegetables, seasonal fruits and good mineral water are essential fuels for our muscles.
      “You have to reduce the intake of processed foods or foods contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and medications.”
      Cheap but cheerful
      However, the new diet was just the first step of this new way of life.
      Poser also set Messi down a path of trying to find mental and physical equilibrium by recommending emotional work and psychotherapy.
      But perhaps the most unusual treatment Poser prescribed was Bach flower remedies, developed by Edward Bach in the 1930s.
      The remedies are said to help reduce negative emotions such as anxiety by targeting the limbic system, the part of the brain which deals with emotions.
      A number of high-profile celebrities including Jennifer Aniston and Emma Watson have previously revealed they use the remedies.
      You can pick up a bottle of this miracle remedy for less than £10 in Boots, although be aware that according to Medical News Today, there is no direct evidence of them being effective.
      Regardless, Messi returned with a bang in the 2014/15 season, scoring 58 goals and adding 31 assists from 57 games.
      This was a stark improvement over the previous season when Messi had managed just 46 games, though he naturally still turned out an impressive 41 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
      Messi used to be an avid enjoyer of red meat and pizzaCredit: Instagram/@leomessi
      Poser told Messi to use Bach remedies to help with his mental stateCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      Smile because it happened
      With Poser’s methods proving to be effective, Messi stayed under the doctor for a number of years.
      However, all good things must come to an end, and Messi’s visits to Poser came to an end in 2018 when he succeeded Andres Iniesta as Barcelona captain.
      Thereafter Messi entrusted his health to Dr Maria Antonia Lizarraga Dallo, who leads the Spanish giant’s nutrition team, until he left Spain for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
      Messi has continued to go from strength to strength since, finally lifting the World Cup with Argentina.
      For Poser, their split was an overdue return to normalcy, though he is thankful for Messi’s contribution to his career.
      He explained to Mundo Deportivo: “I’d say the Messi effect turned my life upside down, especially during the first three months, because the phone never stopped ringing and journalists appeared from all the corners of the world, who I didn’t see, of course.
      “That affects anyone’s day-to-day, ever more for a person like me, living a very calm life.
      “But, all around the world they’ve seen and they see Messi, and since then they can’t no longer doubt my method. It can be seen every week.”
      Argy-bargy
      Messi’s impact on Poser’s career has been profound.
      Poser now has a clientele including a number of other Argentina aces.
      The Italian was visited by Gonzalo Higuain in 2015 and later Paulo Dybala in 2018.
      Both went on to feel the impact of Poser’s teachings.
      In the case of ex-Chelsea star Higuain, he went to the Italian to help him break through a crisis of confidence.
      Like he did with Messi, Poser ordered Higuain to cut out red meat but also told him to limit his fish intake and to replace sugar with honey in his diet.
      Higuain went on to lose 4kgs and then embark on his best-ever season, netting 38 goals in 42 games at Napoli.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Similarly, Dybala called on the good doctor’s help to get him fit again to face Tottenham in the Champions League Last 16.
      Despite missing the first leg of the tie Dybala returned to haunt Spurs in the second leg, scoring the winner as Juventus performed a remarkable comeback.
      Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala both felt the positive effects of Poser’s attentionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Higuain had the best season of his career after visiting the doctorCredit: EPA
      Dybala netted the winner against Tottenham in the Champions League after visiting Poser to help his injury recoveryCredit: EPA More

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      in Boxing

      Inside KSI’s glam lifestyle, from driving a £280k customised Lamborghini to £390k diamond necklace and Prime business

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      KSI is getting ready to appear in the ring once again.The YouTuber/rapper/entrepreneur, 30, will face off against Tommy Fury at MF & DAZN: X Series 10 on October 14.
      KSI is now reportedly amassed a £25m fortuneCredit: Getty
      YouTuber turned boxer KSI lives a lifestyle to envy
      Already, he fancies his chances – admitting he’s going to place a £1million bet on himself to win.
      But that’s just a drop in the ocean for a man reportedly worth around £25million.
      KSI’s wealth enables him to live a life of luxury.
      From an amazing car collection to bespoke jewellery and his various business interests, including Prime, this is a man who has it all.
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      Cars
      KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, has become quite the petrol head over the years.
      So it was no surprise that he added a customised Lamborghini Aventador to his garage – worth around £280,000 – in 2014.
      He has since called it his “pride and joy” and it’s easy to see why.
      When he bought the supercar, KSI had it wrapped by famed customiser Yiannimize in an eye-catching purple hue.
      Most read in Boxing
      He has also had that flashy motor modified twice with Tron-inspired lines, as an ode to the sci-fi flick.
      Such was his love for that car, he released a rap track called ‘Lamborghini’ in 2015.
      But, he reportedly parted ways with the Lambo at a cost.
      Now, he seems to have become a Porsche aficionado after acquiring a 718 Boxster valued at £65,000, that boasts a drop-top roof and a top speed of 171mph.
      Of course, the licence plate is customised too – which reads ‘K51 FLY’.
      Fans online have also been wowed by a £60,000 Porsche Cayenne he showed off in a series of Snapchat stories.
      The Cayenne is the more luxurious of Porsche’s SUVs and faster boasting a 3.0L Turbo V6 engine.
      While in LA, KSI has been seen driving a very plush £250,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.
      Yiannimize customised KSI’s £280k LamborghiniCredit: Andrew Styczynski – The Sun
      KSI had an obsession with sci-fi film TronCredit: Instagram / @therealksi via @yiannimize
      This stunning Porsche 718 Boxster is also in KSI’s car collection
      When he’s been in LA, KSI has been spotted driving a Rolls-Royce Wraith
      Diamonds
      We’re used to footballers, like Cristiano Ronaldo owning incredible jewellery, but don’t forget KSI.
      He loves diamonds just as much as CR7.
      His most elaborate purchase stems from his love of cartoon Dragon Ball Z.
      In 2019, he commissioned Pragnell Jewellers to create a bespoke diamond necklace of Beerus – the antihero from the Japanese anime.
      It really is astonishing. The piece has around 2,000 stones gems like sapphires, yellow diamonds, and is 18 carat gold.
      While, it took over 550 hours of craftsmanship to make and is said to be worth around £390,000.
      Being so valuable, KSI has admitted that he doesn’t keep it at home and has the item locked up in a safe.
      KSI is also fond of having an expensive timepiece.
      Pragnell Jewellers also sold him a £150,000 Rolex that’s covered in diamonds.
      Jewellery lover KSI had a custom-made necklace made of Beerus from Dragon Ball Z
      KSI shows off his amazing Beerus necklace worth around £390k
      This stunning £150k Rolex is also part of KSI’s amazing jewellery collection
      It was a gift to himself for an epic 2018.
      His only demand was that he wanted to be “iced out and covered in diamonds.”
      Loves his trainers
      Kicks are incredibly important for KSI.
      Which is why he linked up with Adidas last year to collaborate on a series of stylish high-tops.
      But, he is also a huge trainer collector.
      Whenever he drops in to LA, he heads to hipster shop Flight Club to stock up.
      On one particular trip, he dropped £8,000 on multiple footwear.
      The best being a pair of Off-White Nike Air Vapor Max’s that cost almost £2,000, the most surreal being the Nike Kyrie Lucky Charms sneakers that shared the colours of the popular American cereal
      In fact, he joked on a YouTube video that he had never seen Lucky Charms before until he’d bought those trainers.
      KSI loves collecting trainers
      These Off-White Nike Air Vapor Max trainers cost KSI £2k
      Despite being a trainer collection, KSI once regrettably gave away a pair of Red October Yeezys worth £30k
      latest sport features
      KSI also splashed his cash on Yeezy Boost 350 trainers, and Air Jordan Air Retro’s.
      However, he regrettably admits giving away a pair of Red October Yeezys that in good condition could be worth around £29,000.
      Designer cat
      KSI’s love of animals is not in doubt.
      Earlier this year, he added a furless companion to his family. And a beauty it is.
      He bought a Sphynx cat, the breed best known for being hairless back in May.
      They can be expensive – sometimes costing up to £2,000.
      Earlier this year, KSI revealed he bought a Sphynx catCredit: Instagram / @KSI
      Buu, his trusty companion, could have cost as much as £2kCredit: Instagram / @KSI
      He has called it Buu, and he regularly now appears on his YouTube videos and Instagram shares.
      Business
      Savvy KSI has used his social media standing to build an empire.
      The most incredible and impressive is his Prime drink, he set up with fellow YouTuber Logan Paul.
      They revealed astonishing figures of $250million (£201million) in retail sales and $110million (£88million) gross internally.
      And now they are conquering the sports world, with sponsorship deals with his beloved Arsenal, Bayern Munich and footballers Erling Haaland and Alisha Lehmann.
      He is also the CEO of Misfits boxing, who inked a deal with streamer DAZN to showcase fights between influencers, YouTubers and the like, XIX Vodka and a restaurant chain known as Sides.
      On top of all that, he is also the co-founder of The Sidemen – a YouTube group who have delved into the world of charity football.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      KSI teamed up with fellow YouTuber Logan Paul to launch Prime Hydration drinksCredit: https://twitter.com/primehydrateuk?lang=en
      Prime now partners Arsenal and other football clubsCredit: https://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-prime-hydration-drink-partner-ksi-logan-paul-emirates-stadium
      Professional athletes including Alisha Lehmann are also working with PrimeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/
      Their most recent match raised a commendable £2.4million with proceeds going to charities – Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), youth charity Teenage Cancer Trust and wish-granting charity, Rays of Sunshine.
      What KSI gets in one hand, he gives with the other. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Alexis Sanchez’s amazing £750,000 fleet of supercars including monster £160k Bentley and £130k Audi he crashed

      by

      ALEXIS SANCHEZ had a less-than-desirable end to his Premier League career with Manchester United. However, this did not stop the Chilean from earning a pretty sum from his time at the club thanks to his £350,000-a-week contract.
      Alexis Sanchez has earned more than £115million over his playing careerCredit: AFP
      Sanchez lit up the Premier League in three-and-a-half stunning years at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Add his three-and-a-half years at Arsenal to his time at Barcelona, Inter Milan and Marseille, and Sanchez has earned well over £115million throughout his football career.
      And Sanchez has not spared any expense on some of the nicer things in life.
      The loves of his life, a company of four dogs including two golden retrievers named Atom and Humber, enjoy a lavish life with the forward.
      But Sanchez’s splurges do not end there, as proven by a fleet of supercars worth over £750,000.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Not to mention the other modes of transport Sanchez has at his disposal – including the chartering of a private jet.
      Although, Sanchez is far from a saint on the road.
      He was once banned from driving in his homeland of Chile after being caught speeding at 96mph in a 75mph zone just outside the capital of Santiago.
      SunSport has taken a look at Sanchez’s garage of supercars.
      Most read in Football
      Bentley Bentayga Black Edition – £160,000+
      In 2019 Sanchez opted to add an SUV to his collection.
      Much like former team-mate David de Gea, who has an impressive car collection of his own, Sanchez added a luxury SUV to his collection.
      However, unlike ex-club-mates Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku – who splashed £250,000 on a Rolls Royce Wraith – Sanchez went for a Bentley Bentayga.
      The monster Bentley, capable of going from 0-60mph in just four seconds, could set punters back anywhere between £156,000 to £259,000.
      This five-door 4×4 comes equipped with a V8 engine, – last used by F1 cars in 2013 – four-wheel drive and can reach a top speed of 180mph.
      The Black Edition which Sanchez opted for came with a little juice up on both its performance and design.
      Mansory, a luxury car modification firm from Germany, added some of their unique flare to the mix on the wheels and its diamond-polished rim surface.
      In addition, the rework with Mansory saw the car given a power boost, with an extra 10mph of top speed and increased torque.
      The luxury Bentley Bentayga can be sold for up to £259,000Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Bentley Continental GT – £186,000
      The Bentayga is not the only Bentley in Sanchez’s collection.
      He also owns a Continental GT, another Bentley beast in its own right.
      Like the Bentayga, the GT has a V8 engine.
      However, the GT possesses more power than its sister car and can therefore reach a higher speed of 198mph.
      It can also reach 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds.
      The price of the GT is also more than a match, with estimates placing it between £186,000 and £273,000.
      Sanchez also has a luxury Bentley Continental GTCredit: Cavendish Press
      Range Rover Sport – £84,000
      Keeping with the theme of British cars, Sanchez also has a Range Rover Sport.
      The car is far slower than the aforementioned Bentley’s off the line, taking 6.6 seconds to reach 60mph.
      It is also far slower with a top speed of 135mph – not that Range Rovers are typically designed with speed in mind.
      Range Rover set the price of this model at £84,000, but that did not prevent Sanchez’s motor from seeing its share of bumps and bruises in 2018.
      Following a meal at a restaurant, Sanchez returned to his car to find that his front wing had been scraped – an overall minor but nevertheless expensive to fix piece of damage.
      Two weeks later the bad luck continued as Sanchez was struck with a fine from a traffic warden after parking his car on double yellow lines outside another restaurant in Wilmslow.
      Sanchez had two weeks of hell with his Range Rover Sport in 2018Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Audi R8 – £135,000+
      Talking of damage, Sanchez was fortunate to not be killed in a car crash when he was still at Barcelona.
      Sanchez was driving his Audi following Barcelona’s Copa Catalunya final win over Espanyol in 2013 in the early hours of the morning.
      However, at 2:30am Sanchez crashed into the central barrier on a motorway close to the city centre.
      The incident saw Sanchez land in hot water with the law after he abandoned his mangled car in the road without notifying the police.
      Sanchez had been picked up by an unnamed team-mate following the crash.
      Local press shared pictures of the stunning incident and described Sanchez avoiding injury as a “miracle”.

      Local press described Sanchez avoiding injury in his crash as a ‘miracle’
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      Lamborghini Huracan – £200,000
      Lamborghini’s prowess in making supercars is matched by very few, so it would make sense that Sanchez would pick one up during a trip to Miami in 2016.
      The Italian-made car is one of the fastest ever made, reaching 0-60mph in just 2.8s.
      It is also capable of reaching speeds of up to 201mph – not that he would be able to reach such heights due to Miami speed limit laws setting highways at 70mph.
      It is a common practice to grab a rental car when visiting another country, and this was likely the case for the then-Arsenal ace too.
      Such activity is expensive, however, with renters charging between £483 to £2,421 a day depending on the model.
      At retail, the Huracan can go for between £164,000 to well above £200,000 depending on the model.
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      Sanchez hired a Lamborghini Huracan while on holiday in MiamiCredit: Instagram/Alexis Sanchez
      Planes, trains and automobiles
      Sanchez has also been seen enjoying trips on luxury private jets, yachts and helicopters.
      He has been spotted on a yacht with his dogs, while he also took ex-girlfriend Mayte Rodriguez on a romantic helicopter ride that landed on a private stretch of beach in South America.
      Sanchez has previously chartered private jets for flights with his dogsCredit: Instagram / @alexis_officia1
      They even join him for luxury yacht tripsCredit: Instagram / @alexis_officia1 More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Lionel Messi’s lavish Miami lifestyle, living in a £8.6million home and fine dining at £1k steak restaurant Gekko

      by

      LIONEL Messi has already settled into Miami life and its epic lifestyle.The Inter Miami ace, 36, has become the star attraction of the MLS – bringing a star-studded crowd to his games.
      Lionel Messi has been hitting hotspots like Gekko, Miami Beach and has found a home since joining the MLS
      Messi has found himself a stunning home in Fort LauderdaleCredit: The Mega Agency
      Pals David Beckham and Sergio Busquets have joined Messi for some fine cuisine at trendy Gekko restaurantCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Naturally, he is living the life of an A-lister.
      His most lavish expense so far has come in the shape of his stunning £8.6million home in Fort Lauderdale.
      Boasting its own boat dock, it has eight bedrooms, nine and a half bathrooms, a garage for three cars and its own luxury pool.
      It’s the perfect abode to house his family, including wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their brood, Mateo, Thiago and Ciro.
      Read more on Lionel Messi
      But outside those expensively decorated walls, Messi is making the most of his new surroundings.
      He is dining out at the best restaurants, with his favourite being Miami hotspot Gekko.
      However, the weekly shop has proven to be tricky – with Messi and his familly mobbed by autograph hunters and requests for snaps by fans.
      Eating out
      Already, Messi is tucking in to Miami’s famed cuisine and restaurants.
      Most read in Football
      His favourite appears to be trendy Gekko, a Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge.
      Serving sushi, £1,000 steaks, and signature cocktails – it is the place to be seen in The Magic City.
      It’s clear who introduced Messi to the restaurant.
      As soon as he arrived, it was Inter Miami owner who took the Argentinian out for a meal along with his former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets.
      The trio even shared a snap on Instagram – showing of beaming smiles.
      They were joined by their wives, as Antonella and Victoria Beckham celebrated Messi’s arrival.
      It wasn’t revealed what they ate.
      But, specialities on the menu feature lobster, olive-fed filet mignon, chilled oysters with watermelon granita and more.
      It has become quite the celebrity haven, with Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria, and Bryan Cranston all spotted dining there.
      Wag Antonella has been able to enjoy a night out with her girls.
      Japanese steak restaurant Gekko is the trendiest in MiamiCredit: INSTAGRAM

      Last month, Antonella was spotted partying with Victoria Beckham and her pals
      Last month, she was spotted with Victoria Beckham at another hip hangout, Papi Steak.
      They were joined by fellow Wags Elena Galera and Andrea Rajacic, the partners of Sergio Busquets and Thierry Henry, respectively.
      Miami Beach staple
      On one of his first nights out as a family, a Miami Beach pasta favourite served Messi and his family well.
      They went to the very reasonably priced Cafe Prima Pasta, where pasta dishes start at $19.95 (£16) to the most expensive around seafood linguini costing $26.95 (£22).
      The kids would have enjoyed the various desserts on the menu, from tiramisu to cheesecake and various ice cream.
      Owner Gerard Cea made sure Messi posed for a snap, with one of his boys perched on a drum kit behind them.
      As Messi tried to make a sneaky exit through the back door, he was mobbed by a waiting crowd of fans.
      Messi took his family to Miami Beach staple Cafe Prima Pasta and posed for a photo with owner Gerard CeaCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Pasta dishes like this seafood linguini are Cafe Prima Pasta’s speciality
      Fans mobbed Messi and his family when he left the restaurant
      He stopped to take keep-sake snaps, and one supporter even planted a kiss on Messi’s cheek.
      For his part, the famous No10 looked slightly embarrassed by the attention.
      Antonella was also probed by reporters as she left the restaurant, but just offered them a smile as she led their sons to their car.
      Sun, sand and sea
      Ahead of his rain-soaked unveiling, Messi took a few days off with wife Antonella.
      They did what any normal couple would do in their new plush surroundings.
      The loved-up pair were spotted holding hands and taking a stroll along the beach.
      Mrs Messi shared a snap on Instagram of the two walking along the stunning white sand.
      The world famous South Beach is a haven for tourists and sun worshippersCredit: Getty
      Wag Antonella and Lionel Messi were seen walking hand in hand on a Miami beachCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Love was in the air for the Messi and Antonella, who described her new surroundings as ‘Paradise’
      She captioned the photo ‘Paraiso,’ which translates to ‘Paradise’ in English.
      You can’t argue with that.
      Home is where the heart is
      Messi already has an astonishing property portfolio in Miami worth £15million.
      This includes an amazing 4,400-square-foot apartment in the exclusive Porsche Design Tower, the entire ninth floor of the Regalia Tower on Collins Avenue and TWO luxury units in the nearby Trump Royale tower.
      And he’s only added to it further, with his stunning new Fort Lauderdale mansion.
      According to Forbes, it covers 10,500 in square-foot and consists of eight bedrooms, nine and a half bathrooms, a three-car garage and a pool.
      There is also a spa, fitness room and TWO boat docks.
      Property taxes on the house are thought to be in the region of £67,000 per year.
      Messi splashed £8.6m on his seafront propertyCredit: The Mega Agency
      The property boasts lavish and stylish interiorsCredit: Lori Morris Design by Brandon Barre
      Stunning views surround the epic mansion Messi has now boughtCredit: Lori Morris Design by Brandon Barre
      Lionel Messi owns FOUR apartments on Miami Beach
      The Porsche Design Tower boasts a lift that takes cars to the floors of the residents’ homeCredit: Getty
      The inside of the house is just as impressive as the outside.
      There is plenty of unique decor as one room even includes a model of a sheep – which should surely be swapped out for a GOAT.
      The is plenty of natural light in the house that comes through the big windows that will allow Messi to enjoy views of the water outside.
      The walls and floors are also decorated with what is said to be “bespoke finishes that speak to the highest standards of luxury design”.
      read more SPORT FEATURES
      Supermarket sweep
      Adjusting to US life, Messi has taken to supermarket shopping.
      Back in July, he was spotted filling up his trolley at Publix in South Florida.
      And a quick glance inside his trolley showed his love of cereals.
      General Mills’ Lucky Charms and Kellogg’s’ Fruit Loops showed Messi and his family are just like us when it comes to breakfast time at home.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Messi was spotted shopping in US supermarket chain Publix in South FloridaCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans approached Messi who obliged with photographsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      He made time to pose for several photos with fans, once again, as he continues to be recognised around town.
      All in a day’s work for the world’s most famous footballer. More

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      in Soccer

      I was a football icon and even won polo trophy but I was in so much pain after retiring I asked docs to amputate my legs

      by

      GABRIEL BATISTUTA was widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.The Fiorentina legend made a name for himself with his powerful shots in the days when Italian football ruled Europe.
      Gabriel Batistuta is a footballing iconCredit: Reuters
      The Argentine striker is a hero at Fiorentina and in ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      He has begun playing poloCredit: Alamy
      He once finished third in Fifa’s World Player of the Year competition in 1999.
      But since hanging up his boots the 54-year-old has had unusual experience with both pain and the sport of polo.

      Batistuta began his career in his homeland, playing for prestigious trio Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate and Boca Juniors.
      He moved to Europe in 1990 and scored 203 goals in 331 games for Fiorentina while also enjoying spells at Roma and Inter Milan.
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      The man nicknamed Batigol and El Angel Gabriel won the 2001 Serie A and eventually ended his career in Qatar with Al-Arabi just three years after lifting the league.
      Batistuta has now left behind his life as a footballing icon after having a unique relationship with the beautiful game.
      He once admitted to never truly loving the sport, saying: “I don’t like football, it’s only my job.
      “When I was playing I never enjoyed it that much, I was never happy. If I scored two goals, I wanted a third, I always wanted more.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “Now it’s all over I can look back with satisfaction, but I never felt that way when I was playing.”
      Since retiring, Batigol has suffered with terrible pain due to an injury that led to him once begging doctors to amputate his legs.
      The two-time Copa America winner’s goalscoring took a toll on his body and he underwent surgery a year after finishing his career.
      He endured daily agony and insist it’s more common than many are aware of.
      CRYING WITH ANGER
      In an interview with Corriere della Sera in 2014, Batistuta lifted the lid on the problems he suffered with his ankles.
      He said: “I felt pain, pain and more pain. The operation was a solution I’d been chasing for at least six to seven years.
      “In 40 days, once I remove the brace, we’ll know if the pain has disappeared and I can finally walk like a normal person again.
      “As soon as I stopped playing, I found my ankles to be in pieces.
      “Bone against bone, supporting a weight of 86-87 kilograms. The slightest movement became agony.
      “I had the same problem as [Marco] Van Basten, who said enough was enough at 28 years of age.
      “I couldn’t get out of bed on some days. Overnight I couldn’t walk. I wet the bed even though the bathroom was only three metres away.
      “It was 4am and I knew if I stood my ankle would kill me. I’d be crying with anger and I said to myself: ‘It can’t go on like this.’
      “I felt sick, so sick that I went to a doctor friend of mine and asked him to amputate my legs.
      “I prayed to him, I insisted. I told him that this was no longer life.”
      The doctor turned down his request to cut off his limbs and instead performed surgery to relieve the pressure on his cartilage and tendons by putting screws in his ankles.
      His condition did improve as it prevented the bones from hitting each other when he walks.
      But Batistuta’s mobility is still a battle and he sometimes has difficulties on bad days.
      POLO PLAYER
      With 55 international goals, only Lionel Messi has found the back of the net more for Argentina than him.
      And to satisfy his competitive side, Batigol took up new sports in his days of pain.
      The legend remembered by his distinctive look of long hair in the La Viola shirt is now an avid golfer and even plays polo.
      Batistuta got so good on the back of a horse that his team won the prestigious Stella Artois Cup.
      He began riding as a child but didn’t take up the sport until he was invited to join in by a friend after his days at Fiorentina.
      Batigol opened up about his venture into polo, insisting he is still a novice: “It’s a hobby, but I always try to improve my standard, because the better I play, the more fun I have.
      “Playing polo gets my adrenaline going.
      “It is a very tactical sport and I’m devoting time to getting better. I’m having fun, but my character demands that I do things well, so I’m making and effort to learn and practice.
      “I feel some pressure when I play polo because people ask for goals, reflecting my football career.
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      “I met Adolfo Cambiaso, the world’s best polo player, and he invited me to play a match with his team.
      “We entered the Stella Artois Cup and we won it, which was fantastic although it doesn’t stand comparison with playing football for Argentina at El Monumental in Buenos Aires.”
      Gabriel Batistuta attends the Argentina Polo Tour and played in the Loro Piana TeamCredit: Alamy
      He suffered with severe pain after hanging up his bootsCredit: AFP – Getty
      Gabriel Batistuta was granted with the freedom of FlorenceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez broke an international record set by Pele, is likened to Messi and is starring for Ecuador

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      CHELSEA’s transfer policy over the past few windows may have been ridiculed, but in Kendry Paez they have seemingly unearthed a gem.The Ecuador wonderkid, just 16, was signed from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for £17million back in June.
      Ecuador’s teen sensation Kendry Paez is making wavesCredit: AP
      Uruguay hardman Manuel Ugarte fails to nudge Paez off the ball during their World Cup qualifierCredit: EPA
      Seen as one for the future, he won’t appear for the Blues until 2025, when he turns 18.
      But, if you ask Uruguay’s seasoned pros Federico Valverde and PSG hatchet man Manuel Ugarte, they will argue he’s ready for the big time.
      The teenage prodigy, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, put on a wondrous display in midfield as Ecuador defeated Marcelo Bielsa’s side in a World Cup qualifier 2-1.
      The icing on a cake was setting up Felix Torres to score the winner, which put Paez in the history books.
      He is now the youngest assist maker in South American football – beating a long-standing record set by the late great Pele.
      But his journey to being the next big thing has had its sacrifices.
      Early years
      Paez’s budding career began in Ecuador’s second city, Guayaquil.
      He played for three teams growing up, including Barcelona Sporting Club in his homeland.
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      However, he would have to travel 160 miles away from his family to follow his dreams for his big break.
      He joined Independiente del Valle’s academy in Sangolqui, found on the outskirts of Quito, when he was just 11.
      It showed fearlessness, a hunger and ambition to succeed, and an unbridled determination to reach the top.
      This starlet was on his way.
      Europe, take note
      It was in 2022 when Europe’s top clubs became aware of Paez’s emerging talent.
      With Independiente’s U18s, he won the prestigious Copa Milo – with scouts from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund present.
      Aged just 15, Paez broke into the Independiente sideCredit: Getty
      Paez is seen as the jewel of South American footballCredit: Getty
      He was the star of the show, scoring twice in the final against Colombia’s Atletico Nacional.
      A month later, he was named the outstanding player at the Next Generation Trophy in Salzburg for their U15 side.
      Independiente defeated youth teams from Inter Milan and RB Leipzig, as they reached the final.
      The goal of the tournament also belonged to Paez. An audacious lob from inside the centre circle against the Germans.
      Dream debut
      Last season, Paez made his long-anticipated debut for Independiente against Mushuc Runa aged just 15.
      He became the youngest player to appear in Ecuador’s top flight, before shattering another record.
      When Anthony Landázuri cut the ball back to Paez on the right-hand side of the penalty area, he instinctively floated the ball over the goalkeeper, Jorge Pinos, on the volley into the corner of the goal.
      That strike made him the youngest goalscorer in the LigaPro.
      His performances last season earned him plaudits from boss Martin Anselmi.
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      Blessed with quick feet, Paez has been likened to Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Paez is highly thought of in his homelandCredit: Getty
      “It is not normal for a 15-year-old boy in the first division to have earned the respect of the soccer world in such a short time,” he said.
      “He runs, recovers, interprets the game, he is very intelligent to play. When we ask him to get into a certain position to generate an advantage, he does it.
      “All his movements are trained, he carries them out perfectly, understands the game very well and is a guy who is very down to earth in all those ways.”
      International stardom
      This week, Paez showed he was the real deal on his international debut for his country.
      He was thrown into the cauldron against Uruguay in a crunch World Cup qualifier.
      He wasn’t fazed, though.
      His appearance at 16 was just shy of the age Diego Maradona first appeared for Argentina, which is a South American record.
      But, he played like a man in the face of tackles flying in from Real Madrid stopper Valverde and hardman Ugarte.
      In one instance, the latter blatantly tried to shove him off the pitch as he chased a loose ball bouncing down the touchline.
      Paez was star of the show as Ecuador beat Uruguay in a World Cup qualifierCredit: Getty

      Paez not only beat his opponent to the ball, he shrugged off the cynical move to stay on his feet and set up another attack.
      The attacking midfielder would also make more history in that game.
      With the game level at 1-1, he received the ball on the left wing, quickly whipping in a low cross for Felix Torres to slide home a winner.
      The crowd went ballistic, as his team-mates congratulated Paez for his assist.
      Better still, that assist beat a long-standing record held by Brazil legend Pele as the youngest to do so in the South American game.
      Caicedo rates him
      Joining Chelsea means he will get the opportunity to link up with fellow countryman, Moises Caicedo.
      The former Brighton midfielder has already raved about Paez’s talents.
      Back in June, he told La Cancha Con Majo: “He’s a crack!
      “The truth is there are times where I watch Independiente games. It’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.
      Paez celebrates after assisting Felix Torres for the winner against UruguayCredit: AFP
      Moises Caicedo has raved about Paez’s abilityCredit: AFP
      “I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing.
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      “All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.”
      Blues fans should get very excited indeed. More

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      Jadon Sancho enjoyed spectacular rise until child prodigy’s £73m dream transfer went sour in nightmare spell at Man Utd

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      WHEN Jadon Sancho signed for Man Utd in 2021, he appeared to be the final piece in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s jigsaw for a Premier League title bid.A wonderkid, if ever there was one, he starred for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and became one of the most feared wingers on the planet.
      Jadon Sancho finds himself at a career crossroads at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      A fallout with manager Erik ten Haag has marred his Man Utd careerCredit: Getty
      It was that form that convinced the Red Devils to part with £73million for the coveted youngster.
      But now, Sancho finds himself at a career crossroads with his career stalling.
      A fallout with boss Erik ten Hag saw him release a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming he has been made a “scapegoat” for United’s failings.
      The Dutch tactician banished Sancho to a “personal training programme” away from the first team until the “squad discipline issue” was resolved.
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      The landscape for Sancho is not as clear as it was, when he was a promising talent growing up in South London.
      Growing up in Kennington
      Camberwell-born Sancho was raised on the Guinness Trust Buildings Estate in Kennington by Trinidadian parents.
      It was at a nearby park he would hone his skills and meet Arsenal star Reiss Nelson, who became a childhood friend.
      Jadon told Sky Sports: “I was on an estate.
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      “There’s a park behind that we called Blue Park, and we used to just go there and for two hours just play mini games, everyone used to get so into it.
      “I used to have all the tricks, nutmeg people, and I was doing it like the older boys.
      “They played properly so they didn’t want to hurt us younger boys. But they thought I was ready to play with them.
      “I’d call myself a street footballer, that’s where I learned my tricks.”
      Finding a mentor
      Sancho’s early journey was steered by Sayce Holmes-Lewis, a former community coach for Southwark Council who worked with a talented pool of young footballers in the area.
      Holmes-Lewis recalled how the then 12-year-old prodigy would show him up with his fancy footwork.
      Sancho grew up on the Guinness Trust Buildings estate in South London
      Reiss Nelson (second from the right) was pals with Sancho growing up
      He told SunSport: “Jadon had this little afro, was always smiling. There was always banter between me and him.
      “I’d say, ‘I bet you can’t do this skill’. I’d show him and by the end of the session he’d got it.
      “It was embarrassing for me because I was almost 30 at the time, had worked on these skills all summer and it took him an hour to master!
      “Jadon was always trying to prove how good he was but in a humble way.”
      Academy talent
      Sancho’s academy years saw him enjoy spells with Watford and Manchester City.
      Alongside a standout ability, his ambition to reach the top stood out even then.
      Louis Lancaster, who coached Sancho in Watford’s academy, said: “There’s a great phrase in football that goes, ‘Prepare the player for the pathway’ because it doesn’t change.
      “Jadon scrapped that rule. For him, it was preparing the pathway for the player.
      “He’s moved from South to North with one of the world’s greatest managers and players and he’s got a choice either stay in the Man City Under-23s and not develop or go to another country.
      At Watford, Sancho showed he had bags of ability
      Sancho continued his youth development at Man City before leaving in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “How many players would have the courage to do that?”
      Pioneer
      Desperate to play, and realising his pathway to first team football was blocked, Sancho moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2017 from Man City for a £8million fee.
      It was a pioneering and brave move for the teenager to make, and one that has been followed by many English footballers since.
      And, it was the making of him. Sancho would go on to terrorise opposition defences, scoring 50 goals in 137 games.
      A testament to his talents was his placing in the 2019 Golden Boy nominees.
      Sancho was runner-up to Joao Felix, and placed above Kai Havertz, Erling Haaland and Matthijs de Ligt in the yearly poll held by Italian publication Tuttosport.
      The highlight of his time in Westfalenstadion came in his final season at the club – winning the DFB-Pokal cup.
      At Borussia Dortmund Sancho became one of the world’s most feared wingersCredit: AFP
      In his final season in Germany, Sancho won the DFB-Pokal cupCredit: Getty
      England
      It was Sancho’s form in the Bundesliga that saw the wideman capped by Gareth Southgate – making his debut in a 2018 Uefa Nations League fixture against Croatia.
      His first competitive start in 2019 saw him put on a star display against Czech Republic in a 5-0 win in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
      A brace in the 5-3 win over Kosovo appeared to cement his place in the first team line-up.
      He was brought on in the Euro 2020 final against Italy in the 120th minute of extra-time to take a penalty.
      Unfortunately, he missed his spot-kick along with Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford as the Three Lions missed out on the trophy in the cruelest of fashions.
      Amazingly, he hasn’t added to his 23 England caps since 2021.
      Sancho suffered penalty heartbreak in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      Incredibly, Sancho has not added to his 23 England caps since 2021Credit: Reuters
      Dream move
      That same month, Sancho’s club career appeared to take off – with a huge move to Man Utd sealed.
      In-different form in his first season saw him score just five times in 38 games.
      The following season, seven in 41 was nowhere near the prowess in front of goal he showed at Dortmund, where he managed double-figures in three of his four seasons.
      A series of manager chances from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Ralf Rangnick to Erik ten Hag has certainly not helped his chances.
      The latter bringing in his former Ajax star Antony for £85million, a like-for-like player to Sancho, has hindered his progress.
      While the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho shows the competition for places is high on the flanks at Old Trafford.
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      A disagreement with ten Hag over his attitude in training saw him dropped from the club’s squad with Arsenal.
      It was a statement Sancho rejected in a social media blast.
      He wrote: “Please don’t believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue.
      “I have conducted myself in training very well this week. I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into.
      “I have been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair! All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team.
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      Sancho’s Man Utd career has failed to hit the heights expectedCredit: Getty
      A feud with Erik ten Hag saw Sancho banished to training aloneCredit: Getty
      “I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players… I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!”
      That courage he showed in his youth days is needed if he is going to get his career back on track. More

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      I’m known as the David Beckham of Asia but I quit football to make rice wine… now I’m worth £28million

      by

      WHEN thinking of glam footballers like David Beckham, many fans may think about the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo or Antoine Griezmann.However, Hidetoshi Nakata is perhaps more comparable to Beckham than any other footballer.
      Hidetoshi Nakata quit football to pursue a career in Japanese rice wine makingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nakata has been dubbed the David Beckham of AsiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nataka retired at Bolton weeks after the 2006 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On the football pitch, Nakata made a name for himself in the Serie A with an eight-year spell in Italy yielding a league title and Italian Cup.
      The Japanese attacking midfielder also holds the record for most goals by an Asian player in Serie A history.
      But it is his work away from the pitch which truly distinguishes him, although it was far from a straightforward journey.
      Nakata retired from the beautiful game when at Bolton under Sam Allardyce aged just 29, after admitting his passion for the sport had evaporated.
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      His decision rocked Japanese football, coming just weeks after the nation’s exit from the Brazil World Cup in 2006.
      However, the former Japan footballer of the year and three-time Ballon d’Or nominee realised after hanging up his boots that he had an alarming lack of knowledge about his home country.
      Nakata had left Japan aged 21 to pursue his career in Europe, and insisted he needed to educate himself to “become a better Japanese person.”
      He told CNN in 2018: “I played because I loved [it], but I was losing a bit of passion for football.
      Most read in Football
      “My people came to stop me but I said: ‘Please cut my contract. I don’t need any money anymore, just let me leave.’
      “All my life I just played football, basically. Every country I went, people asked me about Japan but I didn’t know anything about it.
      “That’s a part of my life, so I need to become a better Japanese person.”
      During his deep dive into Japan’s culture, which took over seven years to complete, Nakata visited all 47 of Japan’s prefectures – equivalent to an English county.
      His mission yielded the desired results, with Nakata finding a particular interest in sake, otherwise known as Japanese rice wine, and turning it into a business with his own label “N”.
      Fashion guru Nakata is a regular at Louis Vuitton showsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nakata strikes various sponsorships to promote the Japanese sake industryCredit: AFP – Getty
      “There are most amazing crafts and agricultural products all over Japan, but I was especially fascinated by the uniqueness of sake,” he explained to Forbes.
      “It is distinctively Japanese, made with the Japanese national mould koji for the last 2000 years. I thought sake deserved much more global attention.”
      Nakata visited over 400 sake producers, around 40 per cent of the total operating breweries at the time, before launching his brand at the Takagi Shuzo brewery in 2013 in the Yamagata prefecture.
      At launch a single bottle of sake cost between £1,570 and £2,350 a bottle from his brewery.
      As it turned out, he would be entering the industry shortly before an international demand boom, with Japanese sake recording the highest number of exports by both value and quantity in 2021.
      Indeed, between 2009 and 2021, Japanese sake saw a 590 per cent increase in value and a 269 per cent jump in quantity.
      Nakata was named by Pele’s list of the top 100 footballersCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Nakata has rubbed shoulders with legends such as RonaldinhoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, the industry is not without its troubles, with figures from the Japanese government showing at least 70 per cent of the nation’s breweries to be operating at a loss or small profit annually.
      Nakata says his brewery is one such business in the red, but insists his love for the industry is all the motivation he needs.
      He said: “I have devoted my last ten years to find ways to support the sake industry. And I have not made any money.
      “I am doing this because I love doing it. It just does not feel right to do something simply for making money or for reputation.”
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      It is Nakata’s love for sake that seems to be the driving force behind his motivations, striking a number of partnerships with global brands to promote the industry.
      One such sponsorship came with Kit-Kat, as they created a sake-flavoured Kit-Kat chocolate bar.
      Fashion is also high on his list, with Nakata being pictured at a Louis Vuitton Cruise show in early 2023, managing to stand out even among the plethora of Hollywood A-listers at the event.
      His appearance even had GQ salivating, describing Nakata as “low-key the best-dressed footballer on the planet”.
      ‘Low-key the best-dressed footballer on the planet’
      Nakata, who was named by late Brazil legend Pele as one of the best 100 footballers in the world, has not stopped with his sake passion project or fashion outings either.
      He has taken an interest to Japan’s tea industry – which is in a similar state to sake – and also enrolled as a faculty member at Rikkyo University.
      In 2020, Nakata taught marketing in traditional craft industries for a semester.
      On the move, he added: “I provided a space for the next generation to explore what they could do to support traditional Japanese culture.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I learned from their fresh perspectives too.”
      And all of this has helped him cultivate a £28million fortune.
      One of Nakata’s sake sponsorships saw him create a sake-flavoured Kik-KatCredit: Getty – Contributor More