People are freaking out over Lionel Messi's knees, an explanation has been given

Lionel Messi's knees are freaking people out online but there is a genuine explanation for why they look a little different.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has just touched down in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida ahead of his official unveiling as an Inter Miami player at the DRV PNK Stadium.

The special event on Sunday will be free to attend for season ticket holders and the arena looks set to be packed out.

Messi is joining David Beckham's MLS franchise on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, having recently been on holiday in the Caribbean with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and three children.

The 36-year-old posted snaps of his vacation but many fans were left a little perplexed by the shape of his knees and the fact it looked abnormal with two lumps.

Image: Lionel Messi

It caused an almighty response in the comments of Messi's post, which was liked by more than 14 million people.

One commented: "What’s up with Messi’s knees."

A second added: "That’s the secret sauce to being the best footballer in the world, knee muscles."

A third joked: "Bro your knee has a knee"

A fourth user weighed in: "I thought Messi had an amputated leg for a second."

The same question was asked by another fan, who said: "Why yo knees look like that?"

A sixth was a bit more explicit, writing: "What the f*** is going on with his knees."

However, despite its slightly odd appearance, there is nothing to worry about in regards to Messi's knee-caps.

Catalan outlet RAC1 say the lumps are simply a result of his inner quadriceps being more developed from the work he puts in.

Lionel Messi has recently been on international duty (Getty Images)

Messi is set to debut with Inter on 21 July against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup and he's expressed his excitement over the new chapter in his career.

"My mentality and my head are not going to change and I am going to try, wherever I have to be, give my best for myself and my new club, continue to perform at the highest level," Messi told Argentina TV, as per ESPN.

"We [Messi and his family] are happy with the decision we made. Prepared and eager to face the new challenge, the new change."

Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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