Lionel Messi has gained immense followership in the United States even before agreeing to join Major League Soccer side, Inter Miami this summer.

The Argentine superstar granted one of the wishes of Inter Miami academy player, Francisco Ranieri, when both met during Argentina’s preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentina national team had set up camp in Miami where they played Honduras, with record appearance-maker, Messi scoring twice including a superb chip, The Sun reports.

Ranieri, who was starstruck after meeting with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, got a tattoo of the veteran's autograph just hours after his idol had signed his arm.

The Inter Miami academy goalkeeper, who also hails from Argentina, would later describe his encounter with the former Barcelona star as the best day of his life.

Messi wears Miami's number 10

Meanwhile, Messi could get his famous number 10 shirt when he is finally unveiled as an Inter Miami player, after completing his transfer to the MLS side from Paris Saint-Germain, Sport Bible reports.

When the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner made the switch to Ligue 1, he was offered the number 10 shirt but declined as it was being worn by Neymar, choosing to wear the number 30 instead.

However, the number 10 shirt is currently vacant at Inter Miami, and it is expected the Argentine veteran will be offered his preferred shirt number when he finalises his move to the US league.

@433 Conquered all of Europe ???????????? #messi #psg #barca #ballondor #championsleague #CapCut ♬ original sound - Modelscut