sport news Joey Barton bafflingly claims 'genetically modified' Lionel Messi should have ... trends now
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Joey Barton has launched his latest tirade in the direction of Lionel Messi, by claiming that there should be an asterisk to his name due to the treatment he received as a child to combat a rare growth hormone deficiency.
Messi is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game, having won eight Ballon d'Ors and dominated the sport from over a decade.
His exploits at Barcelona saw him become the club's greatest-ever player and record goal-scorer, while he also led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 - their first major tournament win since Diego Maradona's 1986 side.
However, according to former Premier League midfielder Barton, Messi's name should carry an 'asterisk' because he believes the icon was 'genetically modified' thanks to the treatment he was given early in his footballing career.
Speaking on his Common Sense Podcast, the outspoken Barton said of the Argentine: 'He's asterisk though for me,' before going on to explain to his co-hosts.
Joey Barton believes Lionel Messu should have a big asterisk next to his achievements
Barton has claimed that Lionel Messi was 'genetically modified' thanks to growth treatment he had as a child
Messi was only 10 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare growth hormone deficiency
'There's a big asterisk on Messi's name for
