Aguero admits to Messi mystery

Sergio Aguero has revealed he still laughs with Barcelona star Lionel Messi after not recognising him at the Under-20 World Cup in 2005.

The Argentina team-mates were ultimately victorious at the tournament in the Netherlands, beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

“We were talking about shoes, and then he said something,” the Premier League striker told DirectTV Sports.

“He said his name was Lionel, and I asked, what about the surname?

“He said ‘Messi’, and then repeated, ‘Messi’. I still did not know who he was. Then I read that there was a Messi who was emerging in the team.”

Aguero went on to admit the story later became the source of many jokes amongst the pair’s peers.

“Messi cried with laughter and still cries with laughter when he recalls it,” said the 24-year-old, who shared a room with the future World Player of the Year at the tournament.

“I was 17. Then it was cool between us.”