For years, a persistent allegation about Lionel Messi’s alleged autism diagnosis has circulated heavily on the internet. Despite repeated denials, the untrue information gained strength to the point of being publicly disclosed by former player Romário and almost triggering legal action by the father of the renowned Argentine athlete.
The origin of the controversy and Romário’s involvement on social media
A wave of speculation about the possibility that Messi has autism has caused great repercussions on several digital platforms in recent times. The discussion around this statement spread quickly, reaching a significant audience.
The theory arose from a publication by journalist Roberto Amado. He established a connection between characteristics such as Messi’s reserved behavior, his difficulty expressing himself in interviews and certain patterns observed on the field with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This conjecture was later shared by Romário on his Twitter profile at the time. The former player even mentioned scientists such as Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein on the occasion, suggesting that they had shown signs of autism.
After the rapid dissemination of this unproven information on the internet, Lionel Messi’s family spoke out publicly to vehemently deny the diagnosis of autism. They reported that they were evaluating the possibility of taking Romário to court for disclosing the content.
While Lionel Messi consolidated his position as one of the greatest athletes in history over the last few decades, several speculations about his private life, including the date of his possible retirement, gained prominence. In the current scenario, where global connectivity is increasing, celebrity status often attracts a series of unverified allegations and unfounded rumors, and Messi’s case with an alleged diagnosis of autism illustrates how misinformation can be stubborn and persist over time, even in the face of clear denials.
The narrative began in 2013, when journalist Roberto Amado published an article on his personal website. In the text, Amado guaranteed that Messi had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder, at the age of eight.
In the material in question, the author associated particularities of the player’s personality, such as his recognized shyness, reluctance to grant interviews and some behaviors noted during matches, with aspects often linked to the autism spectrum.
The publication also drew parallels between the footballer and the character Raymond, from the film ‘Rain Man’. Furthermore, the article linked Messi’s performance to Savant Syndrome, a rare condition where individuals with certain disabilities exhibit extraordinary abilities in specific areas.
The content quickly gained great visibility on social media, being replicated as if it were a proven fact. This intense spread, however, generated a series of disagreements.
The impact of Romário’s publications on social media
Shortly after publishing the initial article, Romário chose to share the topic on his digital platforms. His post considerably expanded the discussion surrounding the rumor that Messi was autistic. “Did you know that Messi has Asperger’s Syndrome? It is a mild form of autism, which gave him the gift of focus and concentration above everything and everyone else”, wrote the former player at the time.
In a series of posts, Romário also mentioned other historical figures, such as Newton and Einstein, who, according to him, had manifested levels of autism. “I hope that, like them, Messi improves himself every day and continues to show us this beautiful football,” he concluded.
Jorge Messi’s response and denial about the diagnosis and possible legal action against Romário
The repercussion of the story was so considerable that it came to the attention of Jorge Messi, father of the renowned Argentine player. Jorge Messi is currently facing a delicate health situation. During that period, he categorically denied any diagnosis of autism for his son and announced that he was analyzing the possibility of legal action against Romário for disseminating the information.
The Messi family’s incisive reaction provoked a new demonstration by the former Brazilian player on social media. “They’re sensationalizing the matter. Ah, Messi’s father said he’s going to sue me for this. You can sue, if you like”, challenged Romário in one of his posts.
Later, Romário clarified that he had only replicated information that was already in circulation in the media. “I released information that outlets in Brazil have covered. Even a TV channel addressed the issue, but Messi’s father denied it. So here’s the information: according to Messi’s father, he does not have autism. I’m not a doctor to compare the information”, he pondered.
Details about the clarification of the doctor who took care of Lionel Messi in his youth
Years later, the controversy was again addressed and clarified by Diego Schwarzstein, the doctor who accompanied Messi during his adolescence. The specialist highlighted that the only health problem faced by the athlete in childhood was a hormonal deficiency, which required specific treatment throughout his development.
In an interview, Schwarzstein was emphatic: “Leo was never diagnosed with Asperger’s or any other form of autism. That’s really nonsense.”