Lionel Messi's personality 'surprised' UFC title holder Ilia Topuria as he reflects on MLS meeting with Inter Miami superstar

UFC title holder Ilia Topuria admits to being left pleasantly “surprised” by Lionel Messi’s personality during a meeting with the Inter Miami icon.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Featherweight champion Topuria recently took in a visit to Florida to catch a glimpse of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in action. He was among those in attendance at Chase Stadium for a MLS clash between Inter Miami and the Colorado Rapids.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Topuria got the opportunity to rub shoulders with Messi in the United States, landing himself a prized No.10 shirt having already crossed paths with Real Madrid superstars such as Jude Bellingham and David Alaba this season – as he prepares for a huge fight at Santiago Bernabeu.
WHAT TOPURIA SAID
Topuria was honoured to spend time in the company of Argentine legend Messi and has told UFC Espanol of why that meeting was everything that he hoped for and more: “I have always admired him since I was young. Messi has been one of the people who have inspired me a lot. The humility he transmits and how legendary he is, it makes him even greater. His personality has surprised me even more in person. It was a source of pride for me.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi remains the star attraction in MLS this season and, after recovering from his latest injury setback, is up to five goals for the 2024 campaign. A-list guests continue to attend his matches across the United States, with the most decorated player of all-time determined to add to his trophy collection while in Miami.

WHAT HAPPENED?