'Your gift will be on the pitch'- Ex Barcelona striker Cristian Tello reveals gift he received from Lionel Messi after becoming a father

Lionel Messi, one of the world's most exceptional football talents, captivates audiences not only with his skills but also with his remarkable gestures and actions, solidifying his legacy as not just a player but also a great human being.

A story that showcases this was when Barcelona played Levante in the first leg of the quarter-finals of Copa Del Rey. Messi took his position in midfield and demonstrated his playmaking abilities, delivering four precise through balls that led to his teammate Cristian Tello's hat-trick.

Tello shares His Tale about Messi

When Cristian Tello became a father, his teammates showered him with gifts, but Lionel Messi had a different plan. Instead of giving Tello a traditional gift, Messi promised to give him something on the pitch. During a match against Levante, Messi assisted Tello three times, leading to Tello scoring a hat trick. After the game, Messi took the ball, signed Tello's son's name on it, and presented it to him as a gift. Tello was deeply moved by this thoughtful gesture from Messi, the football king, in the place where Messi truly shines – the pitch.

Cristian Tello said, "When I had a baby, we had a match against Levante and everyone brought me gifts except Messi. He congratulated me and said, “Your gift will be on the pitch.” We entered the match and he gave me 3 assists. I scored a hat trick. At the end of the match, I took the ball with me and we entered the dressing room.”

“Before I could thank him, he said, “Give me the ball.” I gave it to him and he signed my son’s name. He hugged me and said, “This is your son’s gift.” I couldn’t find the words to express my thanks. A gift in his own way in the place he loves and makes the difficult easy. It is the pitch that Messi owns because he is the king of football, simply," he added.

Messi continues to shine in 2024

In 2024, Lionel Messi once again made history by adding to his already impressive collection of 46 trophies. Following his triumph in the Copa America with Argentina, Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew, helping the team secure the MLS Supporters' Shield with 68 points.