Bored Mackenzie O’Neill went for a beach kick about on his own – and ended up going head-to-head with £135million Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.
The 11-year-old was on holiday with his family in Antigua when Messi’s dad Jorge spotted him and invited him to join them.
Messi, 32 – acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest ever players – was on the beach with his family, including eldest son Thiago, six.
Mackenzie said: “I was on my own and began to kick my ball.
“His dad Jorge threw a ball to me and asked if I wanted to play.
"We played football with Thiago and Messi for 45 minutes.
“Thiago’s a fantastic player for his age and wasn’t shy about playing. Playing with Messi was incredible.”
Footage was posted online last week of the Argentinian national captain’s kickabout with Thiago and three other children, including a blond schoolboy - later revealed as North Londoner Mackenzie.
The schoolboy added: “Later I ended up swimming with Messi. We went on a little boat and spent a lot of time in the water.
“He acted like a normal dad, he enjoyed seeing his son play with other children. He lifted me on his shoulders and Thiago followed me wherever I went.”
Asked if Messi gave him any tips, he said: “No, because he doesn’t speak English. But seeing how skilful he was was enough advice for me.”
Messi’s £5,000-a-night stay at Jumby Bay came as he got over Argentina’s failure to reach the Copa America final this month.
