Miami Herald

Soccer star Leo Messi swapped his No. 10 jersey for a chef’s jacket. Here’s why

- BY MADELEINE MARR mmarr@miamiheral­d.com

Lionel Messi has cheat days.

The soccer superstar admitted that some of his favorite foods were of the fattening variety Monday night at the VIP Hard

Rock Terrace at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Messi was there not to kick around balls and score goals but to launch a new kids’ menu for Hard Rock Cafe worldwide.

Now when you take the fam out for a meal at one of the many locations, you’ll see some of the famous father of three’s creations. Highlights include the Messi X Burger, a thick, seasoned patty with provolone, “seared to perfection” on brioche; and the Golden Chicken Sandwich, which is served Milanesa style, meaning breaded and pan-fried, on a hearty bun.

If your brood isn’t the experiment­al type, there are also other familiar options on Messi’s menu such as hot dogs, tenders and mac ’n’ cheese.

Along with the little ones’ meal comes a side of memorabili­a: a mini golden soccer ball, collectibl­e poster, plus activity sheet and stickers.

Messi, who came out to chat with the large crowd wearing a chef’s jacket, was more than happy to talk about a wide range of topics beside eating, taking questions from local kids in the audience in both Spanish and English.

But when asked what his favorite food was, No. 10 had a hard time picking just one (OK, so we already know he’s a fan of “fugazza” pizza).

“Pasta... but also asado [traditiona­l Argentine barbecue],” said the Inter Miami star, 36. “But I also like sweets very much ... desserts like dulce de leche and ice cream. Life is to be enjoyed.”

Madeleine Marr: madeleinem­arr

 ?? HARD ROCK ?? To celebrate the launch of his Hard Rock Messi Kids Menu, Inter Miami soccer star Lionel Messi hosted an event at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 2.
HARD ROCK To celebrate the launch of his Hard Rock Messi Kids Menu, Inter Miami soccer star Lionel Messi hosted an event at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 2.

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