Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star Opens Up on Strange Behaviours, Favourite Meals

• Lionel Messi has opened up on some of his strange acts as well as his favourite meals
• The Inter Miami star is enjoying some deserved time off after a busy period at the club
• Messi missed the team's 5-2 loss to Atlanta United, their first defeat since he joined up

Lionel Messi is not a perfect man - at least not as perfect as his on-pitch image would suggest - and he has a few quirks and pet peeves many might consider weird.

The Argentine is enjoying a deserved rest after a gruesome run of fixtures since joining Inter Miami in July, having sat out three games in two weeks for club and country.

Messi played 12 games in 48 days for Inter Miami in his first month at the club, helping the Herons to their first-ever trophy - the inaugural Leagues Cup - after beating Nashville SC in the final.

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However, he is only resting away from football and keeping up with his family, especially his children, who have been enrolled at the Florida franchise's academy.

Messi reveals his strange habits

As noted by Goal, Messi has three sons with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, whom he has known since they were both children. The couple married in 2017.

Although he regularly shares photos of his family, little is truly known about his private life.

Speaking to TN30, Messi admitted to having pet peeves and some strange quirks.

He claimed not to love wearing sneakers and often walks barefoot in the house. While he did not reveal much about his activities when at home, he did open up on his nightly routine.

"Before going to sleep, I leave the entire table ready for the next day. Breakfast… everyone in their place, always [seated] in the same place; everyone has their place at the table, the kids, Antonella, me," he said.

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Professional athletes have strict diets and Messi is no exception, though the former Barcelona star admitted to liking sweet things.

"I am very simple when it comes to meals: asado, milanesa, pasta, chocolate, dulce de leche, ice cream… I like everything that is sweet, I’m in love with it. I try to eat little, but every now and then I like it."

He will likely return to action for Miami's welcome of Toronto on Thursday. However, he could see fewer minutes as he aims to keep fit for the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo on September 27.

Messi misses son's birthday

Sports Brief also reported on Messi missing Mateo's eighth birthday to be with his Argentina national teammates for the game against Bolivia, despite not being in the matchday squad.

His wife shared a beautiful message on Instagram for their second son and a part of her message was defied by the veteran's absence - an act hailed by his teammate, Rodrigo De Paul.

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Thiago Messi makes Inter Miami debut

Sports Brief also reported on Thiago Messi making his debut for Inter Miami in an under-12 friendly, helping the team to a 2-0 victory over Weston FC in their first game.

The 10-year-old joined the Floridians' academy weeks ago and has been training with the team while his father continues to generate waves in his new US adventure.