Inter Miami goalkeeper Francisco Ranieri made the best of an encounter with Lionel Messi and now has the Argentine’s autograph tattooed on his left arm.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner recently made a visit to the MLS side’s training base as he prepped for an international friendly against Honduras at the Hard Rock Stadium, which the Albiceleste won 3-0.
Inter Miami players and staff were pleased to meet Lionel Messi 👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/ZkhK3RrUyz
— J. (@Messilizer) September 26, 2022
Ranieri joined Inter Miami from Argentine team Atletico Lanus and is now playing in the club’s lower divisions.
Ranieri was a bit starstruck when he met a famous fellow countryman. He approached Messi and asked him if he could sign his arm.
Messi agreed, and after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s visit was done, Ranieri decided to make the signature on his arm permanent.
The keeper revealed his new tattoo to the world in an Instagram photo with the caption: “The best day of my life. Yesterday, I fulfilled a dream.”
The tattoo can be seen in the video below:
✒ Francisco Ranieri of Inter Miami got Lionel Messi’s autograph as a tattoo on his arm. On Instagram, he wrote:
“The best day of my life. Yesterday, I fulfilled a dream.” 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/LyFctU8MVZ
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 27, 2022
What Did Ranieri Say After Getting Lionel Messi’s Autograph?
Ranieri also posted a picture with the former Barcelona star, captioned it with an heartfelt paragraph. The caption said:
“The best day of my life. Yesterday, I fulfilled a dream. I shared the pitch with the players I admire, with my national team. I met my idol, the best player in history, an incredible person on and off the pitch, my example to follow!”
“The emotion of seeing you and seeing that you agreed to sign my arm is indescribable. Leo, you fulfilled a dream for me and every day I look at my arm I will remember the emotion 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 had to live yesterday. The opportunities that this sport is giving me! Now more than ever, to continue with everything!”
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On September 24, La Albiceleste travelled to Miami for an international friendly against Honduras at the Hard Rock Stadium. They would go on to win 3-0, thanks to a brace from Messi.
The PSG forward is expected to play for his country again when they face Jamaica in New Jersey on Wednesday (September 28).
Messi has been in great form leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This season, he has six goals and eight assists in 11 games for PSG across all competitions.
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