Lionel Messi Shares Moment With Kaizer Chiefs Product and Amakhosi Fans Gush

• Lionel Messi was playing in a MLS pre-season fixture between Inter Miami and FC Dallas
• Former Kaizer Chiefs youth player, Katlego 'Tsiki' Ntsabeleng was in the mix for the Texans
• A moment between them was shared on social media with fans claiming Messi was impressed

Even the slightest acknowledgement from an icon brings a warm rush.

Lionel Messi would have played against hundreds, possibly thousands, of opponents and every opportunity is one to absorb some magic from the great Argentine.

Having started his football journey at Kaizer Chiefs before getting an education in the United States, Katlego 'Tsiki' Ntsabeleng has fans back home believing he has been blessed by the best.

Messi and Ntsabeleng crossed paths during a MLS pre-season friendly between Inter Miami and FC Dallas.

Ntsabeleng started on the bench but came on as a 35th-minute replacement, before being subbed off again in the 76th minute.

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Messi started alongside a host of former Barcelona teammates, including Luis Suarez, and was himself subbed off in the 64th minute.

In those minutes they shared the pitch, a moment between the two was captured that has fans believing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was acknowledging his opponent's class.

Fans react to Messi and Tsiki's interaction

Many fans took to social media to compare the brief fingertip touch from the Argentine to a knighthood.

Babakho@Czwe_Luvuno posted:

"Messi had seen enough of Tsiki. That's a touch of approval."

KingDonMemecoin@black2don observed:

"You see that touch there? That's a touch of great inspiration I am telling you. Watch how the young man will get recognition after this"

Always ready to spoil the mood, a fan of Messi's Portuguese rival seemed confused. Jeff@Big_Jeffery012 chimed in:

"I don’t see Ronaldo here."

Ntsabeleng has played against Messi and his Barcelona friends before. In August, SoccerLaduma reported his encounter with the Argentine. 'Tsiki' said:

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"It's a dream come true man. Just sharing the pitch is just another item off the checklist of my dreams."

The MLS season begins on February 22 with Inter Miami up against Real Salt Lake.

Kaizer Chiefs star praises coach's methods

Sports Brief has also reported on Kaizer Chiefs' Nkosingiphile Ngcobo praising Cavin Johnson.

The forward explained how the interim boss was getting the best out of him and the Amakhosi.

Fans shared their views on Ngcobo's remark about the club's interim manager on social media.