Lionel Messi sends heartfelt message to Argentina's Olympic gold medallist Jose Torres Gil after BMX rider makes history at Paris games

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has taken his record-setting collection of major honours to 45, knows all about claiming gold at the Olympic Games. He achieved that feat himself on the football field back in 2008.

Messi is now watching the action unfold from afar, with the 2024 Games taking place in Paris – a city he knows well from his time at Ligue 1 giants PSG. The World Cup winner has plenty of time on his hands at present as he recovers from an ankle injury that is preventing him from figuring for MLS side Inter Miami.

Messi was among those that tuned in for the final of the men’s BMX freestyle event. Gil was considered to be an outsider in that competition, but posted a score of 94.82 in his first run – which was enough to claim the ultimate prize. Messi has said in a message on social media: “Congratulations, enjoy that gold very much.”

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Gil has said of conquering the world in his chosen profession: “Total craziness, it brought tears to my eyes. The level was extraordinary. The best athletes of the planet were here in Paris. I competed against the best of the world and I felt incredible; I feel part of this incredible universe.”

Gil has become the first Argentinian to win an individual Olympic gold in a cycling discipline. His success is also the first enjoyed by his country at the 2024 games, with Messi and Co hoping to take in many more as they cheer on fellow compatriots.