Since 2012, Messi’s brain has been studied at the Radbound University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands and his story is amazing. “How do you make decisions in a fraction of a second and what leads you to choose one over other possible ones to almost always win? What makes you choose one thing and not the other?” are some research questions.
“He has multiple combined cognitive abilities: planning, coordination, sequencing, flexibility and even anticipation of his rival’s movements,” says Joan Forns, a neuropsychologist, quoted by the newspaper AS in a May 2021 note.
In this report from the Spanish media, some of the virtues of Messi and his brain that make him reach a superlative level as a player are highlighted:
The creative engine
Messi’s football talent lies in his brain. Mental agility is one of his characteristics. He processes visuospatial information at breakneck speed.
The synchronization of the hemispheres
The Argentine is one of the footballers with the highest reaction speed in history. He is a genius. Rational thought and his creativity and intuition are the ideal mix expressed through the synchronization of the hemispheres of his brain.
Location and function of the primary motor cortex
The most important thing for any soccer player is his motor cortex, a region of the brain located in the frontal lobe whose purpose is the planning and execution of voluntary movements, by transmitting information through the spinal cord.
When drawing up a play, millions of neurons spread over various interconnected areas of the motor cortex perform specific functions.
Messi’s high motor capacity
A study carried out in 2017 by the Motor Observation Laboratory of the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia concluded that Rosario’s has high motor intelligence based on the automation of their movements.
Why does Messi’s brain stand out at a football level?
According to the conclusion, Messi’s brain has greater neural activity than average, which promotes his mental speed and agility in decision-making.
Creativity, intelligence and personality are evident attributes of Messi’s character. One study, published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2013, argues that the brain of the ’10’ is more active than the rest of the players.
His high motor and cognitive abilities allow him to do things that the vast majority of players can’t even think of.
Source: Ambito

I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.