Messi overjoyed at gift from ‘legend’ Baggio

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 1:50 PM ET

Lionel Messi could not hide his joy at meeting Italy hero Roberto Baggio and receiving his shirt as a gift. ‘You are a legend of football.’

The pair met in the United States of America, where Messi’s Inter Miami FC are currently participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Argentina captain posed with Baggio and the signed Italy shirt, which had the design of the 1994 World Cup, also played in the USA.

“What a wonderful sight! Thank you, Roberto, for this special and meaningful gift and for the lovely chat we shared,” wrote Messi on his official Instagram account.

“You are a Crack and an historical legend of football. It’s always a pleasure to welcome you when you want to come and see us!”

Crack is a Spanish term for a top player.

Baggio won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Men’s Player awards in 1993, along with two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup.

He took Italy to the 1994 World Cup Final and was in the team that took third place in the 1990 World Cup.

Nicknamed The Divine Ponytail over his hairstyle in the 1990s, Baggio amassed 56 senior Italy caps in his career, with 27 goals and 14 assists.

Baggio said a few years ago that the player he most would’ve liked to share the field with was Leo Messi.

“Leo Messi is the best in the world. When he decides to score a goal, he scores it. I would’ve loved to have played alongside him. In fact, I’d still like that today.”