Summary of the Core Content
This article explores the 13-year-old rumor surrounding whether Lionel Messi has autism, tracing its origins and spread, analyzing the reasons for its persistence, and the misconceptions and stigmatization associated with autism in public perception. It also discusses the contradictory stance of Ronaldo, the originator of the rumor, regarding autism rights advocacy, ultimately calling for respect for individual privacy and neurodiversity, and rejecting the practice of labeling people arbitrarily.
I. How Did the Rumor Start? From Speculation to a “Snowball Effect” Influenced by a Celebrity
In August 2013, Brazilian author Roberto Amado wrote an article suggesting that Messi’s quietness and focus on the field might be due to autism, but there was no diagnostic evidence or confirmation from Messi or his family. A few days later, World Cup champion Ronaldo tweeted almost certainly stating that Messi had Asperger’s syndrome (a type of autism), and as a well-known figure in football, his statement amplified the rumor rapidly.
Messi’s father quickly denied the claim and threatened legal action; Ronaldo initially responded defiantly before admitting he was not a doctor and could not refute the claim, later deleting his tweet. However, media outlets like El Marca in Spain had already reported on it, and the rumor has since persisted. Even though Asperger’s syndrome is now included in the autism spectrum, this question is brought up again during major sporting events.
II. Why Doesn’t the Rumor Die? People Prefer “Simple Answers” for Geniuses
The rumor has lasted for 13 years because it provides a seemingly easy explanation for Messi’s exceptional abilities: his silence and focus are attributed to an “exceptional brain” (autism). This logic is appealing but flawed:
- Messi’s reticence may be due to personality or public pressure, and his focus is the result of long-term training and talent; it cannot be directly linked to autism.
- A professional diagnosis of autism requires a comprehensive assessment of early development, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, not just superficial observations.
- Messi did seek medical attention as a child, but it was for growth hormone deficiency (which affects height), completely unrelated to autism (a neurodevelopmental issue).
People often look for “special reasons” for geniuses, ignoring the fact that there is no credible evidence of Messi having autism, and both his family and his childhood doctor have denied it.
III. The Harm of the Rumor: Autism as a Tool for Praise or Criticism
The most troubling aspect of this rumor is that it treats autism as a label that can be used arbitrarily:
- Romanticized Bias: Some equate autism with Newton or Einstein, suggesting “autism = genius,” but in reality, people with autism vary greatly—some can live independently, while others need lifelong support; not all have “special talents.”
- Stigmatizing Attacks: Many use the term “autistic” to criticize Messi. For example, during the 2026 World Cup, fans combined the term with derogatory comments about his nationality and height, receiving thousands of likes. Even when it was clarified that Messi does not have autism, no one questioned the use of this label—this shows a lack of respect for people with autism.
This double standard both glorifies and denigrates autism, deviating from its essence as a form of neurodiversity.
IV. Ronaldo’s Contradictions: From Rumor Spreader to Autism Rights Advocate
Ronaldo was a key promoter of the rumor but later exhibited contradictory behavior:
- His daughter has Down syndrome, and after retiring from football, he entered politics, actively promoting policies for people with disabilities, such as advocating for a National Autism Pride Day in Brazil and reducing the burden of repeated assessments for those with autism.
- However, when he shared the rumor, he did not realize the stereotype of “genius autism” that he was perpetuating.
This contradiction highlights that someone can genuinely care about people with disabilities while still holding misconceptions. It also reflects the public’s ongoing confusion about autism—there is a need for both institutional support and the correction of stereotypes.
V. How Should We View This? Respect Is More Important Than Seeking Answers
The article concludes that what really needs to change is not whether Messi has autism, but how we ask questions:
- Avoid Arbitrary Labeling: Without a professional diagnosis, we should not label someone with autism; this shows respect for privacy and medical facts.
- Understand Neurodiversity: Autism is not a disease but a different way of developing the nervous system; people with it deserve respect regardless of whether they are considered geniuses.
- Reject Stigmatization: We should not use autism as a tool for praise or criticism; all groups should be treated equally.
For Messi, his silence and focus are part of his football story, but they should not serve as a basis for outsiders to make diagnoses. Sometimes, admitting “we don’t know” is the first step towards understanding and respect.