The one and only player Lionel Messi wanted to swap shirts with during his career

Lionel Messi has a strict rule when it comes to swapping shirts, but he made a rare exception for a Real Madrid legend.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi's match shirts have been high-in demand with opposition players looking to gain a legendary memorabilia.

Dax McCarty swapped shirts with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner after Inter Miami beat Nashville in the Leagues Cup final.

McCarty shared a picture of himself with Messi's shirt following the defeat, accompanied with the caption: "The night wasn't a total loss."

The Nashville player would have prompted the exchange as the Argentine doesn't initiate shirt swaps.

In 2019, he revealed that his general rule is that he will swap shirts, but he won't ask opposing players to do so.

Unless your name is Zinedine Zidane. Messi couldn't past up the opportunity to ask for the Frenchman's shirt, asking for it during an El Clasico clash.

Even with their fierce rivalry, Messi couldn't resist asking for his match-worn jersey.

Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane during an El Clasico in 2005. Image: Getty

"I don't ask for shirts, I usually swap them, but I asked Zidane once," he previously told TyC Sports.

"If there is an Argentine I swap it with him, but, unless someone asks me, I'm not asking anyone."

Of course, Zidane forged an incredible career at club and international level, winning a host of major trophies.

He won league titles in Italy and Spain with Juventus and Real respectively, while winning the World Cup in 1998.

The attacking midfielder also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 1998.

He'll go down as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, with Messi boasting his shirt.