The decision to give up Hulk, a seven-year-old Bordeaux Mastiff, was not taken lightly, and was primarily due to concerns about the dog’s health.

The revelation came during an interview with Argentinian comedian Miguel Granados, who met Messi at his Miami home and learned about the family’s difficult choice.

Hulk has been with Messi since 2016
The interesting conversation started when Granados jokingly suggested during an interview for his OLGA streaming show that he might kidnap the family’s pet poodle Abu.

To his surprise, Hulk, his beloved Bordeaux Mastiff, was conspicuously absent from the scene.

When Granados asked about Hulk’s whereabouts, Messi explained, “He’s in Barcelona, Hulk is there. He’s a little old. So, we had to leave him at our house in Barcelona.”

Messi, who welcomed Hulk to the family in 2016, shared his initial joy on Instagram, saying, “The new member of my family. Thank you for this beautiful gift, love.”

Throughout the years, both Messi and his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, regularly posted photos and videos of the Hulk on social media.

Messi admitted that the transcontinental move in July must have been stressful on Hulk, especially at this stage of the dog’s life.

He also tells Granados that the Hulk is “on the brink” and may soon need to be put to sleep.

Bordeaux Mastiffs, known for their imposing stature, have a lifespan of five to eight years, although some can live up to 11 years.

For now, Hulk is receiving care at Messi’s luxurious home in Castelldefels, a suburb located 11 miles from FC Barcelona’s iconic stadium Camp Nou.

The Messi family is adapting well to the Miami lifestyle
Meanwhile, Messi has taken up his new role as the face of MLS in the United States while playing for Inter Miami CF.

During the interview, Messi offered a glimpse of his daily routine in Miami, which includes an early morning family breakfast and dropping off his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, at school.

He and his wife often return home to take a nap or watch their favorite shows.

On certain days, Messi goes for a morning workout with Inter Miami, and around 3 a.m., he takes the kids and goes with Thiago and Mateo to soccer practice at the club’s academy.

In a candid moment, Messi also shared the possibility of expanding his family, saying, “We would love it if a girl comes.”