Comedian Owen Wilson (wearing black hat) was excited when Messi came to greet his father and son after the match on September 4.

“Messi is my favorite player in the world. I am extremely happy when Argentina won the World Cup. I met a reporter crying and shouting that Argentina won the world championship. I can’t wait to meet Messi tonight. I’m excited excited like a child when Christmas comes,” the American actor confided. Owen Wilson said he had a similar feeling when he met basketball legend Michael Jordan before.

The American comedian also compared Messi’s influence on American football with the late legend Pele. “I remember when I was a kid, it was a big event when Pele played for Cosmos. And now that feeling repeats with Messi, maybe even bigger,” Owen Wilson shared with Daily Mail. The veteran actor said Messi’s appearance in America made more people interested in football, something that has never happened before. “Even my mother loves football now,” comedian U60 said.

After the match, Messi went to the stands to greet and hug Owen Wilson. The Argentinian superstar also chatted and signed shirts for Wilson’s children even though both he and his son support host Los Angeles FC.

In addition to Owen Wilson, the match between hosts Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami attracted a series of celebrities to the field such as Prince Harry, singer and actress Selena Gomez, rapper Tyga, actor Leo DiCaprio, actor Will Ferrell, and actor Member Mario Lopez.

Messi joined Inter Miami in July after finishing two years playing for PSG. The striker, who won the Golden Ball 7 times, created a fever in the US when he helped President David Beckham’s team remain undefeated since he took the field for more than a month. Inter Miami won the first title in team history when winning the Leagues Cup with the participation of Messi. The superstar himself, born in 1987, also maintained impressive form with 11 goals and 8 assists in 11 matches.