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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Makhanya joined Philadelphia Union in July 2023</li><li>But he is yet to make his first-team debut </li><li>He, however, shared a pitch with Messi </li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Bafana Bafana hopeful Makhanya shares 'GOAT' Lionel Messi experience - 'To actually share a field with him is unbelievable'

Makhanya is with Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union and shared a pitch with Messi who is on the books of Inter Miami. The 19-year-old is, however, yet to feature in an official match for Philadelphia Union but he opened up about a meeting with the former FC Barcelona star.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“I was actually on the bench when we played Inter Miami.” Makhanya told <a href="https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/sa-stars-abroad/makhanya-how-it-felt-to-share-the-pitch-with-messi/" target="_blank">iDiski Times</a>.“That was the first time I was in the 18-man match day squad. I was on the bench, on the pitch, watching the game very closely and [sighs] ja I won’t lie, it was a great experience.“Growing up we all know Messi as the GOAT, the best player in the world and to actually share a field with him is unbelievable and I got to shake his hand after the game.”

WHAT MAKHANYA SAID

With the MLS season having just started, Makhanya will be hoping to enjoy more game time and attract Bafana Bafaba coach Hugo Broos. If he is picked by the national side coach, he will have to compete with the likes of Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyanda Xulu.But with Xulu nearing the end of his international career, it could open an opportunity for Makhanya who at 19 is viewed as a future Bafana prospect.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Philadelphia Union will on Wednesday host Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa in a Concacaf Champions Cup and Makhanya will be hoping to be selected to play. Playing in that tournament comes with valuable experience that could open Bafana doors for him.

WHAT NEXT FOR MAKHANYA?

Bafana Bafana hopeful Makhanya shares 'GOAT' Lionel Messi experience - 'To actually share a field with him is unbelievable' | Goal.com South Africa

Former Stellenbosch defender Olwethu Makhanya has opened up on his encounter with Argentinian legend Lionel Messi.