Lionel Messi and Giorgio Chiellini showed their mutual respect for each other at the end of their MLS clash as the Inter Miami forward showed his caring side.
The Italian stalwart represented a stern test for the Argentine icon as Inter faced a tricky away trip to face the current MLS Cup holders. However, the 37-year-old continued his sterling start to life with the Herons as he notched two sublime assists in a 3-1 win over LAFC.
Following the game, the two legends of the game shared a memorable exchange as they embraced before Messi showed his caring side towards his opponent's family. The iconic winger stopped to have his picture taken with the former Juventus mainstay's daughters.
After that the two players embraced again, with the pair sharing some pleasantries as both clearly enjoyed the rare exchange. The generosity of the ex-Barcelona talisman earned him widespread plaudits on social media as a video clip showing the moment went viral.
One Twitter user praised Messi saying "Lionel] Messi is such a great guy! Talent and excellent personality". Another commenter said: "This just put a big ass smile on my face, the respect between two legends who shared the pitch in a Champions League final match, incredible."
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Chiellini has made no secret of his admiration for his opponents and made a major claim about Tata Martino's team in an interview following the game. Effusive in his praise, the defender said: ""This team [Miami] is the best, by far, that I've faced in MLS to be honest. I think that they will join the playoffs. The arrival of Leo in this league, it's very good, not just for Miami and for the game, but for the attention that everyone now gives to the MLS. It's a huge step for this league.
It was clear that Messi was left impressed with the performance of his opponents, while also admitting that Vice City did not have it all their own way at BMO Stadium. He asserted: "We said it before the game that this [game] was a beautiful test to see where we are at, what we are capable of.
"We were playing at a difficult pitch, against a very good rival, the defending champions. This is a good result ahead of what's coming. The team is growing every day, we've said that since the beginning. We were lucky to win a title [Leagues Cup], to reach a final."
The win against LAFC may have been a crucial moment for the team in their push for a playoffs place but they still have a lot of work to do. Martino's outfit currently sit eight points off D.C. United in the final qualification spot, with nine games left in the regular season.
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