Lionel Messi often has the spotlight on him as one the most popular athletes in the world, but how he responds tells us about his character as a man.

Fans of Argentina’s number 10 made this video explode on social media after seeing Messi’s reaction to a woman put in front of him on the pitch by Inter Miami before a match.

Inter Miami’s captain returned to the pitch on Saturday following a long absence with an ankle injury sustained during the final of Copa America 2024, which he played in Miami, where Argentina were crowned champions.

It did not take long for fans of La Rosa y Negra to feel Leo’s impact on the team. His pair of first half goals in a 3-1 win showed that he is back to his best with the playoffs approaching and Inter holding the number one spot in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

Messi’s rare behavior

Fans are impressed with his reaction in the video as much as his play on the field. The World Cup winner refused to do so much as put his arm around the woman for a photo before the match, unlike the opposite captain of Philadelphia Union.

That level of respect and honor for his relationship with his childhood sweetheart Antonelaputs him in rarified company with superstar athletes like Travis Kelce and LeBron James, who go out of their way to act like gentlemen for their partners, Taylor Swift and Savannah James, despite rumors of the opposite.

Leo and Antonela share three sons, Ciro, Mateo and Thiago, who are lucky enough to have a father who gives them the perfect role model for how to treat a woman.