‘I fulfilled a dream’ – Inter Miami star gets TATTOO of Lionel Messi’s autograph hours after meeting Argentina legend
A STARSTRUCK Inter Miami footballer got a tattoo of Lionel Messi’s autograph just hours after meeting his idol on the “best day ever”.
Argentine goalkeeper Francisco Ranieri had the dream encounter with Messi in September.
The national team set up camp in Miami where they played Honduras – with record appearance-maker Messi scoring twice including a superb chip.
And during the international break, Lionel Scaloni’s squad met up with the Inter Miami players – including stunned Ranieri – as they used their Florida training ground.
The shot-stopper, who also got a photo with Argentina’s No1 Emi Martinez, handed over a marker pen for Messi and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner inked his signature on Ranieri’s left forearm.
The Argentine pair posed for a photo – with Ranieri displaying the autograph and Messi revealing his famous sleeve of artwork.
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And not wanting to ever lose the priceless marking, Ranieri decided to head straight to the tattoo parlour to get it as a permanent reminder.
The goalkeeper – part of the youth set-up at Inter Miami – shared the highlights from an unforgettable experience on Instagram.
Ranieri wrote: “The best day ever. I fulfilled a dream yesterday.
“Shared the pitch with the players I admire, with my national team.
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“Met my idol, the best player ever, an incredible person on and off the pitch, my role model!
“The excitement to see you and see that you agreed to sign my arm is indescribable.
“Leo you fulfilled a dream and every day I look at my arm I will remember the excitement I felt when I met you.
“I can’t put into words how great you are!
“So much sacrifice and so many things left aside, to live dreams like the one I got to live yesterday.”
But Ranieri could get used to seeing Messi at the Inter Miami training ground – if the superstar completes a stunning transfer next year.
His current PSG deal expires at the end of the season and, as revealed by SunSport, he is waiting until after the World Cup to make any decisions on his future.
However, reports in October stated David Beckham’s side are “increasingly confident” of landing Messi with negotiations well under way.