Did Lionel Messi Get Starstruck? UFC Fans Hilariously REACT to Illia Topuria’s Recent IG Post About Meeting Football GOAT

Lionel Messi meets UFC champ Ilia Topuria, sparking a wave of funny fan reactions. Dive into the story that has everyone talking!

Updated on Apr 08, 2024  |  08:55 PM IST |  68.6K
Image Source: GETTY
Image Source: GETTY

Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, is known for his thunderous strikes and being the #5 P4P UFC fighter. But did you know he's also a die-hard Real Madrid fan? That loyalty might surprise some, considering his recent social media post. Topuria found himself face-to-face with none other than Lionel Messi, the World Cup 2022 winner and Barcelona icon.

The unlikely encounter happened at Inter Miami's home stadium during a recent MLS match against Colorado Rapids, in which Messi returned to the field and scored. The photo sparked a question: can a true Madridista, a Real Madrid supporter, still admire a Barcelona hero like Messi?

Never Seen Messi So Happy!

Ilia Topuria took to Instagram to share a memorable encounter with Lionel Messi, sparking an avalanche of reactions from fans worldwide. In his post, Topuria presented three candid snapshots from their meeting at the Inter-Miami game. 

The sequence started with a handshake, followed by shared smiles, and culminated with both athletes holding Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt, with Messi visibly elated. Topuria captioned the heartfelt moment: "With one of the greatest legends in sports history.... An example for me.... And a model for everyone."

 

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Immediately, the post ignited a flurry of responses from admirers and spectators. Enzo Fernandez, Messi's Argentine teammate, succinctly praised Messi and Topuria with a "Ídolos (GOAT emoji)," underscoring the widespread belief in Messi's unparalleled prowess on the field.

One fan observed, "I have never seen Messi so happy taking a photo," highlighting the unique joy in Messi's demeanor during this encounter. In contrast, this fan's comment, "Great Ilia, although he is from Madrid, he knows and knows who the best player of all time is (Smiling Face with Sunglasses emoji)," pointed out the significance of Topuria's admiration crossing traditional rivalry lines.

Another fan further delved into the moment's emotions, suggesting, "Messi's happy face speaks for itself, he also feels ADMIRATION having met you," hinting at mutual respect between the two athletes. And this fan celebrated Topuria's humility, humorously stating, "Ilia Topuria with a fan(Two clapping emojis) humility above all," playing on the fan-athlete dynamic.

Also Read: Newly Crowned UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria Calls Out Conor McGregor After Defeating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298

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These reactions, ranging from awe to humor, encapsulate the wide-reaching impact of such a seemingly simple moment, highlighting the profound connection sports stars share with their audience.

What other moments of unity and admiration remain to be shared? And more importantly, how do these moments influence our understanding of sports as a platform for global unity?

 

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About The Author

Mrinal Mishra has made a mark as a combat sports writer, with more than a year of dedicated coverage

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