The reason behind Lionel Messi’s first name has got fans dancing on the ceiling.
Messi is one of the most recognisable players in the world after an incredible career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina.
It has led to him winning a host of trophies including the World Cup, Champions League and eight Ballon d’Or awards.
So it might come as a shock to some to hear that the 36-year-old was named after pop singer Lionel Richie.
Messi’s parents absolutely adore the ‘Hello’ singer, whose album ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ came out a year before Messi was born.
The album went double-platinum and included songs such as the tituler tune, ‘Ballerina Girl’ and ‘Say You, Say Me’.
Richie confirmed the rumours in an interview in 2014.
He said at the time: “It’s gonna happen [Richie meeting with Messi] because I’m quite honoured. They named him after me, how about that? I love it.”
Fans were left in shock by the news including this one who said: “Am I the only one who didn’t know that Lionel Messi was named after Lionel Richie!!??”
Another wrote: “I thought he was named after Mr Messy from the Mr Men books … well you live and learn.”
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And this fan said: “Never heard that before!”
The singer is also a massive fan of Messi and threw his support behind the footballing superstar after Argentina lost the Copa America final in 2016.
He said: “Yes, Lionel, just make it easy like Sunday morning. Don’t get all out of shape here.
“If I told you how many times I lost at the Grammies and it only made me do one thing – get better.
“So, I’m not even worried about my namesake – he’s going to be just fine. He’s a winner obviously.
“I’m sure he’s down right now but he’s a Lionel, he can’t go wrong.”
Argentina had lost to Chile in a dramatic penalty shootout while Messi shocked the world by missing his spot-kick, blazing it over the bar.
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