‘Absurd’ Lionel Messi barber story in Miami highlights how ‘normal’ eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is one of the most recognisable people on the planet, with his level of celebrity transcending his chosen profession. He is considered to occupy a talent bracket alongside the likes of pop icon Taylor Swift when it comes to worldwide appeal and global marketing power.

Messi is, however, a quiet character away from the field and is not one to chase the limelight. He proved as much shortly after linking up with MLS side Inter Miami and moving his family to America. The Messis have tried to blend in as much as possible after setting up camp in Fort Lauderdale.

Ex-United States international Twellman has told the Rich Eisen Show of experiencing how humble Messi is during his own visit to Florida: “I’m walking around town and I step into this barber’s shop. It’s kind of busy. I walk in and there is Messi stuff all over. Apparently, this is the shop where he first needed a hair cut. He walked in, with two of his boys, waited in line and was like ‘hey, I’d like to get cleaned up’. That’s how normal he is. It’s the most absurd thing. This is a global superstar. He’s on the same par as Taylor Swift. He’s walking into a barber’s shop, waiting and all the barbers are looking and going ‘who’s the 5’7 dude that just walked in looking like Messi and asking to get cleaned up?’”

Messi has made an immediate impact on and off the field in Miami, and there is no sign of interest in his exploits waning during 2024. He remains the biggest of draws in MLS and has his sights set on landing more major silverware for a franchise that is co-owned by another global icon – former Manchester United and England superstar, David Beckham.