- Velasco faced Messi in the Leagues Cup
- Messi's Inter Miami triumphed in a shootout
- Velasco cherishes the shirt received from Messi
WHAT HAPPENED? The youngster experienced a surreal moment when he faced his compatriot and hero, Messi, on the field during a Leagues Cup encounter. Despite FC Dallas losing to Inter Miami on penalties, Velasco admitted that sharing the field with Messi was an unforgettable experience. The memorable meeting was further sweetened as the legend exchanged his Miami jersey with Velasco and hugged him before heading towards the tunnel.
WHAT THEY SAID: "It's a game that I will never forget in my life. I played against Messi, he gave me his shirt and a hug. Iasked for it, clearly. I'm happy on that side," told ESPN, viainfobae.
The Argentine pair were also seen talking to each other during the game, with Velasco adding on what they discussed: "I spoke [about] something that a friend of his had told me, nothing bad. Where he grew up in his childhood, that's why he was surprised."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi has taken the Leagues Cup by storm as he scored another stellar free-kick to salvage a 4-4 draw for his team and force extra time against Dallas in the round of the 16. He also converted from the spot during the penalty shootout while Paxton Pomkyal missed for Dallas which sent The Herons to the last-eight of the tournament. Messi now boasts of having seven goals in four matches and has climbed into Inter Miami's top-five scorers of all-time.
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WHAT NEXT? Velasco's journey continues as he and FC Dallas prepare for their upcoming match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, August 20, which is followed by a home game against Austin six days later. As for Messi and Inter Miami, they are set to contest their quarter-final Leagues Cup fixture against Charlotte on August 11.