10 Years After Meeting Lionel Messi as a Cancer Survivor, MLS Rival Completes Life’s Full Circle by Competing Against Inter Miami Star

Two nights ago, Lionel Messi continued his fairytale Leagues Cup debut campaign with a quarterfinal win over Charlotte FC. The match was a one-sided affair as Inter Miami thrashed their rivals 4-0. The 7 time Ballon d’Or surprisingly was quiet for the majority till he inevitably scored a goal in the 86th minute.

While the major talking point of the match was Miami’s win, a stunning report later revealed an insane connection between Charlott’s Christopher Hegardt and Messi. As per reports, Hegardt’s first meeting with Messi was 10 years ago through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Christopher Hegardt first met Lionel Messi in 2013

At the age of seven, Hegardt received a liver tumor diagnosis after being struck in the stomach. Subsequently, he underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and underwent a liver transplant. Despite all the hardships at a young age, the American defied all odds and recovered back to good health.

Then in 2013, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,  he had the opportunity to meet Leo Messi. At that time, Messi had established himself as the undisputed superstar of the soccer world. Despite being such a prominent figure, Messi graciously participated in a soccer day alongside Hegardt and other boys.

Dive Deeper: “Impossible to Keep Him Away” – Barcelona Legend Gerard Pique Recalls Struggles of Defending Against Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba

And as fate would have it, the duo’s paths crossed again a decade later as opponents on a soccer field. While the match ended negatively for Christopher, Messi managed to weave his charm yet again with a stupendous goal in the final minutes.

Charlotte FC coach Christian Lattanzio was mesmerized by Inter Miami’s Messi

After losing 4-0, all Charlotte FC’s gaffer Christian Lattanzio did was praise the opposition. He first praised Inter Miami for recruiting the legendary trio from Barcelona. He opined that it is hard to limit Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi together. “You bring three players that are the star three players, from a team defined by experts as maybe the best ever, what do you do?” Lattanzio said.

He then went into detail about Messi and his clinical finishing ability. Lattanzio admitted that it’s tough to stop Leo since he is truly a magician of the game. “Plus, when you have Messi, he just needs a chance, one second in the game. And you have to be very sharp to stop him from producing the magic he’s produced since he joined Barcelona when he was 16,” said the losing gaffer.

WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer With Unbridled Joy

While Christopher has grown up to be a completely fit professional footballer, Messi hasn’t changed a bit. The Messimania was the same 10 years ago as it is today. Simply sensational!