Lionel Messi's unseen act in Club World Cup tunnel shows true colours after storming off

Lionel Messi's sportsmanship shone through as he warmly greeted former footballer Djalminha following Inter Miami's 2-2 stalemate with Palmeiras. Despite Messi playing the full match, which seemed destined to finish as a second victory at the Club World Cup, fate had other plans for the scoreline.

Inter Miami initially looked set for triumph with Tadeo Allende breaking the deadlock on the 16-minute mark and Luis Suarez adding to their lead in the 65th minute. But the tide turned late in the game as Paulinho notched a goal for Palmeiras with just ten minutes left on the clock, followed by Mauricio's equaliser seven minutes later. Despite his frustration, evidenced by shaking his head and muttering as he made his way to the tunnel, Messi's mood lifted when he encountered Djalminha, now a journalist covering the tournament for a Brazilian media outlet.

Speaking to Marca, Djalminha explained: "Leo has given me his shirt. We already knew each other. I always tell him that when he does a nutmeg, he should do it forward, not backwards (laughs). But Leo is a phenomenal footballer, I love him."

The two exchanged a hug and a brief conversation before parting ways. Djalminha also posted a photo on Instagram capturing their cheerful interaction, extending birthday wishes Messi - who turned 38 on the day of the game.

He wrote: "Happy birthday @leomessi, it's your birthday but I got the present!! Thank you for the shirt and for continuing to give us joy with your football! GENIUS."

No stranger to the emotional rollercoaster of football, Djalminha enjoyed impressive career of his own between 1988 and 2004, featuring for top clubs such as Flamengo, Guarani, Deportivo La Coruna, Club America and Palmeiras. The ex-attacking midfielder also earned 14 caps for Brazil, netting five times and clinching the 1997 Copa America title.

Although Inter Miami's draw may feel like a defeat to Messi, considering the match's dramatic conclusion, it was sufficient for the team to advance to the round of 16 at the Club World Cup. Inter secured second place in Group A following stalemates with Palmeiras and Al Ahly, as well as a 2-1 win over Porto.

Their next challenge is a clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where victory would set up a quarter-final showdown with either Flamengo or Bayern Munich. Despite advancing in years, Messi continues to defy age, maintaining his exceptional form.

The talismanic forward has racked up 10 goals and laid on five assists in just 13 Major League Soccer matches this season, and although his current deal with Inter Miami concludes in December, rumours suggest he's poised to pen a one-year extension, which will see him remain at the club until at least 2026.

DAZN has the rights to the full competition in the UK and the only way football fans can watch every game of the tournament free is by signing up here as part of a DAZN Freemium subscription.