He’s at the top at a time when many have hung up their boots - but how?
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has just turned 39, but his talent and tactical awareness are still razor sharp.
Sport scientists know as muscle fibres age, reaction time slows, but experience can compensate.
Auckland University associate professor in sport, exercise and performance psychology Arne Nieuwenhuys said experienced athletes can read the play – rather than purely rely on fast reactions.
“There needs to be a little bit more focus on creating opportunities for rest. But things like injury prevention can become more important as well, so we need to do a lot more strength training once we age.”
Messi is not alone in retaining his skill as an aging athlete. New Zealand cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee shortened his run up to extend his career and become our greatest bowler.
Meanwhile Serena Williams, Ma’a Nonu, and Le Bron James are all athletes in their late thirties or forties, who have learned to look after their bodies.
While raw talent, determination and the ability to adept strategy is important as a body ages, there are other factors at play.
Auckland University of Technology sports nutrition professor Caryn Zinn had a look at Messi’s diet to determine if this was a factor.
“Every single cell in your body depends on what you put in your mouth, right?”
“When he was an athlete in his 20s, he was reportedly a high consumer of pizza and fried foods, and then he started working with a nutritionist and tidied up his act about 10, 12 years ago.”
This has meant a Mediterranean diet, with few, if any, processed foods. His nutrition plan revolves around extra virgin olive oil, fresh fruit, whole grains and fresh vegetables.
Zinn said supplements are also key.
“Things like omega-3 fats to help with inflammation, particularly when you age.”
Watch all matches at the World Cup with an event pass on TVNZ+ | All Whites games free-to-view on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+
SHARE ME