List of Supplements Lionel Messi Takes: Elite Performance Nutrition Guide

A comprehensive look at the supplement strategy elite athletes like Messi need for peak performance, based on verified nutrition science and his documented wellness philosophy

When Lionel Messi partnered with nutritionist Giuliano Poser in 2014, he transformed his approach to performance nutrition. While the football legend hasn't publicly disclosed his complete supplement regimen, his documented focus on whole foods, hydration, and recovery—combined with the launch of Más+ hydration drink in 2024—reveals key priorities. This guide examines the supplements an elite athlete operating at Messi's level requires for sustained excellence, from cellular energy to joint protection. Whether you're an athlete seeking performance gains or simply curious about elite nutrition strategies, understanding these essential supplements provides valuable insight into optimizing physical performance.

Key Takeaways

• Whole-food nutrition comes first – Messi's documented diet with nutritionist Giuliano Poser emphasizes water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables before any supplementation

• Hydration is non-negotiable – His creation of Más+ with 4 electrolytes, 6 vitamins, and 3 antioxidants demonstrates the critical importance elite athletes place on proper hydration

• Protein timing matters – Messi reportedly consumes up to 3 protein shakes daily near matches for muscle recovery and performance, as noted in multiple interviews and reports

• Recovery supplements extend careers – Joint support, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds help elite athletes manage the cumulative stress of professional sports

• Convenience enables consistency – Formats like gummies and single-scoop powders make daily supplementation sustainable during intense training and travel schedules

• Science-backed formulas outperform trends – The most effective supplements combine multiple complementary ingredients rather than relying on single compounds

The Foundation: Electrolytes and Hydration

1. Electrolyte Supplementation for Peak Athletic Output

Lionel Messi's personal investment in hydration science led to the June 2024 launch of Más+ by Messi, a hydration drink containing sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. This product reveals what elite athletes prioritize: maintaining electrolyte balance during intense physical exertion.

Why electrolytes matter:

• Professional footballers can lose significant fluid through sweat during 90-minute matches and training sessions

• Electrolyte replacement is critical for muscle function, nerve signaling, and hydration status

• Sodium and potassium losses through sweat must be replaced to maintain performance and prevent cramping

Más+ includes B3, B6, B12, A, C, and E as listed on its official site, alongside minerals and antioxidants, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to hydration beyond simple water intake. With only 10 calories and 1g sugar per bottle, the drink provides functional support without excess calories.

For athletes seeking comprehensive nutritional support beyond hydration, XV1 Green Superfood Powder delivers organic greens, probiotics, and essential micronutrients in one daily scoop. This science-backed formula fills common nutritional gaps while supporting digestion and immune function—crucial for athletes managing intense training loads.

Energy and Performance Enhancement

2. Protein Supplementation for Muscle Recovery

Messi's nutrition plan reportedly includes up to 3 protein shakes daily, particularly around match days. This strategic protein timing supports muscle recovery, repair, and growth—essential for athletes performing at the highest level.

Protein timing benefits:

• Consuming protein around training sessions optimizes muscle protein synthesis according to sports nutrition research

• Shake format provides rapid absorption and precise dosing

• Convenient delivery ensures adequate intake during busy competition schedules

Protein requirements for elite athletes exceed those of sedentary individuals, with timing around training sessions optimizing muscle protein synthesis. The convenience of protein supplementation allows athletes to meet their elevated protein needs without excessive food volume.

While protein powders address macronutrient needs, athletes require comprehensive support. XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver clinical-grade creatine monohydrate (3 g per serving), supporting strength, power, and performance. The gummy format eliminates the need for scoops and shakers, making supplementation effortless during travel or busy training days.

3. B-Vitamin Complex for Energy Production

The inclusion of B3, B6, and B12 in Messi's Más+ formula highlights the importance of B-vitamins for athletic performance. These essential nutrients support energy metabolism, helping convert food into usable fuel for training and competition.

B-vitamin functions:

• B3 (niacin) supports cellular energy production

• B6 aids protein metabolism and red blood cell formation

• B12 is critical for oxygen delivery to working muscles

Athletes with intense training schedules face elevated B-vitamin requirements compared to the general population. Deficiencies can manifest as fatigue, reduced performance, and impaired recovery.

The XV1 Green Superfood contains B-vitamins alongside organic greens, turmeric, and reishi mushrooms, providing broad-spectrum support in one convenient scoop. This approach delivers multiple performance-supporting nutrients simultaneously.

Antioxidant and Cellular Support

4. Antioxidant Support: Vitamins A, C, and E

Messi's Más+ hydration drink includes vitamins A, C, and E as antioxidants, addressing the oxidative stress generated during intense physical activity. Exercise produces free radicals that can damage cellular structures, impair recovery, and accelerate aging.

Antioxidant benefits:

• Vitamin C supports immune function—critical for athletes who cannot afford illness during competition seasons

• Vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage

• Vitamin A contributes to vision and immune health

For comprehensive antioxidant defense, XV1 Glutathione Complex delivers liposomal glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. This formula supports natural detoxification, liver health, and cellular protection while enhancing energy levels and reducing oxidative stress from intense training.

Metabolic and Digestive Support

5. Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Elite athletes require optimal nutrient absorption to fuel their demanding training regimens. Digestive enzymes help break down macronutrients for efficient absorption, while probiotics support gut health and immune function.

Gut health importance:

• The gut-brain connection influences mood, cognition, and stress response—all relevant for competitive athletes

• A balanced microbiome impacts inflammation levels throughout the body, potentially affecting recovery time and injury risk

• Proper digestion ensures athletes extract maximum nutrition from their carefully planned diets

XV1 Green Superfood Powder includes an advanced probiotic blend with prebiotic fiber and digestive enzymes alongside detoxifying greens like chlorella. This comprehensive formula supports digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption while boosting energy and focus without caffeine.

Joint Health and Structural Support

6. Collagen for Joint Mobility and Recovery

The repetitive stress of professional football places enormous demands on joints, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen provides the structural protein necessary for maintaining joint integrity, flexibility, and resilience.

Collagen's role:

• Type I and III collagen specifically support skin, bones, and connective tissues

• As athletes age, natural collagen production declines, potentially increasing injury risk

• Supplementation helps maintain joint mobility under the mechanical stress of elite-level training

XV1 Liquid Collagen delivers hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc in a fast-absorbing liquid format. This formula promotes joint mobility and flexibility while supporting skin hydration and strengthening hair and nails. Just 1 tablespoon daily provides comprehensive structural support.

7. Resveratrol for Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health

Elite athletes require optimal cardiovascular function for oxygen delivery and performance. Resveratrol, a polyphenol compound found in certain plants, supports heart health, circulation, and cellular protection.

Resveratrol benefits:

• Supports cardiovascular health and healthy aging according to research

• Demonstrates neuroprotective properties, relevant for athletes requiring sharp decision-making under pressure

• Provides powerful antioxidant defense against free radical damage

XV1 RESVERATROL provides 98% pure trans-resveratrol derived from Polygonum cuspidatum. This third-party tested formula supports cardiovascular health and circulation while promoting healthy aging and enhancing brain function. One capsule daily with a meal supports both immediate performance and long-term wellness.

Natural Energy and Focus

8. Yerba Mate and Natural Stimulants

Messi's documented consumption of yerba mate tea for energy demonstrates the value of natural stimulants over synthetic alternatives. Yerba mate provides a balanced energy boost without the crashes associated with high-dose caffeine products.

Natural energy advantages:

• Contains beneficial polyphenols and minerals beyond just caffeine

• Supports sustained focus during long training sessions without jittery side effects

• Doesn't interfere with sleep quality or recovery when consumed appropriately

For comprehensive energy support through nutrition rather than stimulants, the XV1 Green Superfood boosts energy and focus without caffeine through B-vitamins, organic greens, and nutrient-dense superfoods. This approach provides sustainable energy from improved nutrition rather than stimulant dependence.

Recovery and Inflammation Management

9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Joint Health and Inflammation

While not specifically documented in Messi's regimen, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or algae sources are fundamental for athletes managing inflammation and supporting joint health.

Omega-3 functions:

• Reduce inflammatory markers, potentially accelerating recovery and reducing injury risk

• Support cardiovascular health, brain function, and cellular membrane integrity

• Benefit athletes dealing with the cumulative stress of years of high-level training

Athletes seeking comprehensive recovery support can combine omega-3 supplementation with XV1 Glutathione Complex for master antioxidant protection that supports natural detoxification and reduces oxidative stress.

10. Magnesium for Muscle Recovery and Sleep

The inclusion of magnesium in Messi's Más+ formula recognizes this mineral's importance for athletes. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, nerve function, and energy production.

Magnesium benefits:

• Many athletes are deficient due to losses through sweat and increased demands from exercise

• Adequate intake supports sleep quality—critical for recovery and performance

• Helps prevent muscle cramps and supports bone health

For athletes prioritizing cellular health and recovery, comprehensive mineral intake combined with antioxidant support creates ideal conditions for performance and longevity.

Building Your Elite Performance Supplement Strategy with XV1

The foundation of Lionel Messi's performance isn't found in any single supplement—it's built on a comprehensive approach to nutrition, recovery, and cellular health. His partnership with Giuliano Poser emphasizes whole foods first, strategic hydration, and targeted supplementation to fill specific gaps. This philosophy aligns perfectly with XV1's mission: delivering science-backed, effortless nutrition that supports complete wellness for athletes and active individuals at every level.

XV1 understands that elite performance requires three foundational pillars:

First, comprehensive daily nutrition. The XV1 Green Superfood Powder delivers what even carefully planned diets often miss—organic greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, B-vitamins, and antioxidants in one simple scoop. Unlike basic multivitamins, this formula provides living nutrients from whole food sources including spirulina, chlorella, turmeric, and reishi mushrooms. For athletes managing intense training loads, the advanced probiotic blend supports gut health and immune function, while the smooth mixed berry taste makes daily consistency effortless. Vegan, GMO-free, with no sugar or fillers, it integrates seamlessly into any lifestyle—keto, paleo, or intermittent fasting.

Second, targeted performance support. XV1 Creatine Gummies revolutionize one of sports nutrition's most researched supplements by eliminating the hassle. No scoops, no shakers, no gritty texture—just naturally flavored gummies made with real fruit that deliver creatine monohydrate to support strength, power, and endurance. The vegan, gluten-free formula makes supplementation sustainable during travel, busy training days, or demanding competition schedules. This is creatine reimagined for the athlete who values both results and convenience.

Third, recovery and longevity optimization. Professional athletes understand that career longevity depends on managing the cumulative stress of training. XV1 Liquid Collagen addresses this with hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides that support joint mobility, flexibility, and connective tissue health. The fast-absorbing liquid format, enhanced with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc, delivers comprehensive structural support in just one tablespoon daily. Sugar-free, non-GMO, and dairy-free, it fits perfectly into pre- or post-workout routines. For athletes dealing with repetitive impact and mechanical stress, this foundational support helps maintain the mobility and resilience required for sustained excellence.

Complete wellness extends beyond physical performance. The XV1 Glutathione Complex provides liposomal glutathione—the body's master antioxidant—supporting natural detoxification, liver health, and cellular protection. Intense training generates oxidative stress that can impair recovery and accelerate aging. One capsule daily, ideally on an empty stomach, delivers superior antioxidant support that complements the protective effects of vitamins C and E found in hydration formulas like Más+.

For athletes focused on cardiovascular health and healthy aging, XV1 RESVERATROL offers 98% pure trans-resveratrol in a third-party tested formula. This powerful compound supports circulation, brain function, and cellular health—benefits that extend far beyond competition into long-term wellness. Just one capsule daily with a meal provides antioxidant defense that supports both immediate performance and decades of vitality.

What sets XV1 apart is the commitment to effortless excellence. Every product is formulated without sugar, fillers, or unnecessary additives. Every formula is vegan, non-GMO, and manufactured to the highest standards. Every supplement is designed for one simple goal: making world-class nutrition sustainable for real athletes with demanding schedules. The XV1 product line offers subscription flexibility—edit, skip, or cancel anytime—because consistency matters more than complexity.

Messi's approach to performance nutrition provides a blueprint: prioritize whole foods, maintain strategic hydration, and use targeted supplementation to support specific demands. XV1 delivers this philosophy in formats that fit modern life—one scoop of greens, convenient gummies, simple liquid formulas, and straightforward capsule protocols. No complicated timing, no overwhelming routines, just science-backed nutrition that works.

Whether you're an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone committed to optimal health, the XV1 approach supports complete wellness. Each product is backed by a satisfaction guarantee because quality and results matter more than marketing claims. This is nutrition designed for those who demand more from their supplements and more from their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements does Lionel Messi actually take?

Messi hasn't publicly disclosed his complete supplement regimen. Verified sources confirm he reportedly consumes up to 3 protein shakes daily near matches and created Más+ hydration drink containing electrolytes, B-vitamins, and antioxidants. His nutritionist Giuliano Poser emphasizes whole foods first—water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables—before any supplementation. The supplements outlined represent what elite athletes at his level typically require for optimal performance.

How important is hydration for athletic performance?

Hydration is fundamental for athletic performance, which explains why Messi launched Más+ in June 2024 with specific focus on electrolyte balance. Proper hydration supports temperature regulation, nutrient transport, joint lubrication, and cognitive function during competition. Elite athletes can lose significant fluid through sweat during intense activity, making strategic electrolyte replacement critical for maintaining performance and preventing cramping or fatigue.

What's the best way to support joint health as an athlete?

Joint health requires a multi-faceted approach including proper training technique, adequate recovery, and targeted nutrition. Collagen supplementation provides structural support for connective tissues, while anti-inflammatory compounds like omega-3s and antioxidants help manage cumulative training stress. XV1 Liquid Collagen delivers hydrolyzed collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid in a fast-absorbing format that supports joint mobility and flexibility.

How do I know which supplements are actually backed by science?

Look for products that are third-party tested, manufactured in registered facilities, and formulated with clinically studied ingredients at effective dosages. The XV1 product line emphasizes science-backed formulas with no sugar, no fillers, and clean ingredients. Third-party testing ensures what's on the label matches what's in the bottle. Focus on companies that prioritize transparency and quality over marketing hype.

Is it safe to combine multiple supplements like those listed?

The supplements outlined work through complementary mechanisms and are generally safe to combine when taken as directed. However, individual needs vary based on training intensity, dietary intake, health status, and specific goals. The XV1 approach emphasizes effortless routines with simple protocols. All XV1 products are vegan, GMO-free, and manufactured to high quality standards. For personalized guidance, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications, consult with a sports nutritionist or healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.