After Messi had helped Inter Miami beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 with two assists, he had a touching moment with Chiellini’s kids.

After Monday night’s Major League Soccer (MLS) match, Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi spent some quality time with the daughters of Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini. The official Instagram account of MLS posted a footage of the adorable moment. Players from both American teams were seen in the video shaking hands after the game as is traditional. “These two have shared a lot of battles on the pitch but it’s all love,” the MLS post stated.

Chiellini interrupted this to ask Messi for a photo with his two daughters, Nina and Olivia, who are said to be big admirers of the Argentine superstar. Messi’s response was the epitome of modesty. He posed happily with the young ladies as Chiellini took the picture on Nina’s phone. The Italian defender extended his gratitude to Messi with another embrace..

During their time in Europe, Messi and Chiellini faced off against one other on several occasions. When pitted against the Italian defence, the Argentine World Cup champion comes out on top. Messi scored three goals and set up two more in a win against Chiellini. After a great 17-year run with Juventus, the Italian international moved to Los Angeles FC last summer.

Meanwhile, Messi’s incredible streak in an Inter Miami uniform kept on going. While Messi was unable to score, he did assist on both of the Herons’ goals in their 3-1 victory against Los Angeles FC. Chiellini said after Inter Miami’s match in the Major League Soccer: “This team [Miami] is the best, by far, that I’ve faced in MLS, to be honest,” as reported by ESPN.

Former Juventus player also gushed over Messi, citing the team’s improvement since the Argentine’s arrival. Leo’s arrival in the MLS is great news for the sport, the city of Miami, and the attention the league is receiving as a result. “It’s a big deal for this league,” Chiellini said.

Messi has scored 11 goals and assisted on five more for Inter Miami in as many appearances this season. The Herons’ unbeaten streak dating back to Messi’s Inter Miami debut in July may be directly attributed to his exceptional play. Inter Miami have won the Leagues Cup after Messi’s arrival. This is their first ever championship. They’ve shifted their focus to winning the MLS Cup.

After the match against Los Angeles FC, Messi commented, “Now we are going to try to reach the aim of being in the top eight to try to aim for the league.” Follow this road. We’re still expanding. Obviously, success boosts your self-esteem.

With 25 points from 24 games, Inter Miami sits in second-to-last place in the Eastern Conference in the Major League Soccer standings.