Beating out Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele and Diego Maradona to be named the greatest footballer of all time (that’s soccer for our American compatriots) is a big deal. Beating out Pele, the guy who scored the goal below? If you’re a soccer fan, you’re going to love this (watch the player in the middle):
Pretty great.
But the people who follow this stuff argue that no one has the dribbling, passing, and shooting skills to go with the vision, speed of thought and capacity to influence a game that Lionel Messi has. Since he stepped on a field for Barcelona in 2003, Messi has played 687 matches, scored 603 goals, won 33 club titles (including 10 La Liga titles), been awarded FIFA’s Player of the Year five times, and won the European Golden Shoe for top scorer on the continent a record six times.
With what kind of a dog does a soccer phenom practice dribbling? A Dogue de Bordeaux, of course.
The Dogue started out, of course, as a small puppy:
But he grew!
“Hulk” was gift from Antonella Roccuzzo, his long-term girlfriend (now wife), in 2016 when Messi was recuperating from a groin injury. He joined “Facha,” Messi’s other dog, a Boxer, but Hulk and Messi have since become especially attached.
“Senor Hulk” is now a cool 150 pounds, and enjoys “playing” soccer not just with Mr. Soccer, but Mr. Soccer’s kids:
Hulk also enjoys “down time” with the family:
We’ll make it unofficially official: Hulk is the greatest dog owned by the greatest soccer player of all time.
I like to think for every great family with out a dog, the dog is the last piece of the puzzle. There’s just the feeling and bond that the ideal dog brings. From service dogs, therapy dogs, protection dogs, to companion buddies. It’s a pleasure and delight to share moments with them.
The life of Lionel Messi, Bobby Jones, Lady Gaga, among a notable number of celebrities and icons, have proven how the dog effect can add spice to life and career.
Great job and well done once again!
Thank you, Ayokunnumi!
Always my pleasure commenting on your site.
I must admit how much common interest we share, as touching our love for pets (particularly dogs).I look forward to reading subsequent articles and leaving my feedback.