17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ismael Gharbi met Lionel Messi for the first time and he looked completely star-struck.
Messi, having been unveiled as a PSG player earlier this week, linked up with his new teammates for the first time on Thursday.
He embraced long-time El Clasico rival Sergio Ramos in a moment that had us all thinking we’re now living in a parallel universe, while he also spent time conversing with Kylian Mbappe.
But Messi’s most wholesome interaction was with Gharbi.
The starlet only made his PSG first-team debut 11 days ago in a Trophée des Champions game against Lille and here he was up close and personal with his idol.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino introduced the two of them and Gharbi looked to be completely star-struck as Messi shook his hand and gave him a hug.
But in a wonderful moment that highlighted his maturity, Gharbi told Messi, “If you need something, we are here for you.”
Lionel Messi meeting 17-year old PSG youngster Ismael Gharbi.
Ismael tells Leo “If you need something, we are here for you.” 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/xSR3CzRv65
— MC (@CrewsMat19) August 12, 2021
Ismael Gharbi is a 17-year-old offensive midfielder. He made his debut 11 days ago. On the 11th, he met Leo.
I love this video ⚽
[@GiacoJuli_]pic.twitter.com/A05unnvy8I— Messi News (@Messiuptodate) August 12, 2021
Gharbi, although highly rated at PSG, will be one of many players to be in utter awe of Messi. Monaco midfielder Cesc Fabregas, a close friend of Messi’s, has revealed a number of his teammates already asking for his shirt ahead of a meeting in December.
Premiers pas et premier entraînement au Centre Ooredoo ! ✔️ #PSGxMESSI pic.twitter.com/fPjMbjM7YA
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 12, 2021
Messi took part in some solo drills on Thursday to get up to speed but then took part in a season with his new colleagues at the Camp des Loges training complex.
Having been on holiday following the Copa America triumph with Argentine, Messi was so keen to get going that he turned up to the club’s training centre nearly two hours early.
PSG’s session didn’t begin until 11am but Messi displayed his elite mentality.
“I’ve been out of action for around a month and I need to get physically ready. I hope to be ready as soon as possible, because I can’t wait to play,” Messi said in a press conference on Wednesday.
He is to be presented in front of the PSG fans at the Parc des Princes for the visit of Strasbourg this weekend and will likely be ready to make his debut at the end of August just before the international break.
Featured Image Credit: PSG