Okay, so some of you may know that as a 13 year old, Messi signed with Barcelona because they were the only team that would pay for his Human Growth Hormone treatment that his parents wanted for him. If he didn't get the treatment, he wouldn't have died, a misconception people sometimes have. He would have been only 4-5 feet tall though and been an overall small and fragile human, as well as being classed a handicapped person in many countries on his height alone. So for me, the decision by Messi and his family was a no brainer. If I was in the same situation and needed a treatment like that, I more than likely would have taken in, although there are very serious side effects to taking HGH, inluding serious brain damage that doesn't set in for 30 years and cancers. But should Barca and Fifa have allowed this? Theres no question that Messi's technique is amazing, and that cannot be improved by HGH, however, if Messi was weaker, slower, shorter, more fragile, would he be the player he is today? I dont think so personally, but that is up for debate. I think he wouldn't even be close to the player he is now. So he did not require this to live, its only improved his life, but maybe also his football career to an unfair advantage. Theres also no knowing if HGH is all he took, as its common to mix it with other steroids in