Lionel Messi became only the second player ever that Portuguese legend Paulo Futre has ever asked for an autograph following his stunning goal against Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
This came from the man himself who was at the game on television duty covering his former team, as he witnessed another vintage performance from the Argentinian.
Despite drawing 1-1 against Benfica in Group H, Messi finished off a flowing team move that included some incredible one touch football as he curled Neymar's pass brilliantly into the right-hand corner.
However, Futre had already pre-planned his mission to secure a signature from the seven-time Ballon d'Or before the match had begun.
🥇 Messi finishes a sweeping move in style to win Goal of the Week 🙌#UCLGOTW | @Heineken pic.twitter.com/IuPXhG9K6Z
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 6, 2022
He wanted to ask the Argentine for his autograph - something he had done once before with the World Cup-winning legend Diego Maradona.
After securing his signature, the Atletico Madrid legend explained why he went after Messi.
He wrote: “Modesty aside, I’ve only seen two players who seemed much better than me. The two Argentines.
"Diego Maradona was the only player I asked for an autograph for me, when we shared a pitch in the World Cup in 1987. Today I have asked Leo Messi for the second.”
Modestia aparte, solo he visto dos zurdos que me parecieran mucho mejores que yo. Los dos argentinos.
— Paulo Futre (@PauloFutre) October 5, 2022
Diego Maradona fue el único jugador a la que le pedí un autógrafo para mi, cuando compartimos equipo en la Selección del Mundo en 87.
Hoy he pedido el segundo a Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/4MrtIsq84N
The beautiful moment between the pair was captured which shows him talking to Messi before gesturing two fingers - which is most likely him explaining that the former Barcelona man is the second person he's ever asked for an autograph.
He then gets Messi to sign his Atletico Madrid shirt with his name on the back before the pair shared a hug in what is clearly a moment fuelled by respect and admiration.
Futre was a European champion with Porto and had spells across Europe with Sporting Lisbon, Benfica, Marseille, Milan, Atletico Madrid and West Ham. One of his best individual achievements saw him finish second in the Ballon d'Or running in 1987.
Considering he comes from a country that counts Cristiano Ronaldo among its natives, it's certainly a huge indication of respect that he asked Messi, who joins Maradona in this rather exclusive club.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/PauloFutre
Topics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Diego Maradona, Benfica, Ballon d'Or
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