WATCH: Class act! Lionel Messi makes special memories for Giorgio Chiellini’s daughters despite beating their dad’s LAFC side with Inter Miami in MLS

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who is in line to land an eighth Golden Ball in 2023, lined up against veteran Italian defender Chiellini during his latest appearance for Inter Miami. The Argentine icon had the last laugh in that contest as he helped to inspire a 3-1 win over LAFC in front of a star-studded crowd.

Messi has made a stunning impact in the United States following his summer arrival, with Leagues Cup glory savoured alongside a run to the U.S. Open Cup final and collection of precious points in MLS. Everybody wants to catch the glimpse of the South American in action, with some fortunate enough to rub shoulders with him.

That was the case for Chiellini’s daughters Nina and Olivia at the end of LAFC’s clash with Inter Miami, as Messi posed for photos with the youngsters on the field before sharing a warm embrace with their father – a rival he has crossed paths with on several occasions down the years.

Ex-Juventus stalwart Chiellini has never hidden his admiration for Messi – talking up his talents on a regular basis – and was happy to have met up with the all-time great again in Los Angeles despite being unable to pick up the result he had hoped for. The 39-year-old centre-half said: “Not the result we wanted, but a fantastic night and an important step forward for the MLS movement.”