AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has shared the touching inspiration behind naming his beloved Pomsky dog after football icon Lionel Messi, revealing a childhood dream realized through his four-legged companion.
The Dutch international, who joined the Italian giants from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for €20 million, explained that naming a future pet after the Argentine superstar was a promise he made to himself in his youth. Speaking via All About Argentina, Reijnders disclosed that when the opportunity finally arose to get a dog with his wife, his first declaration was that the pet would bear the name of his footballing idol.
The choice of name reflects the profound impact Messi has had on a generation of footballers and fans alike. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has crafted an unparalleled legacy in football, particularly during his time at Barcelona, where he established himself as European football’s most prolific scorer with an extraordinary 704 goals and 303 assists across 853 appearances.
Messi’s influence extends beyond club football, with his international career equally impressive, having netted 112 goals and provided a joint-record 58 assists in 191 matches for Argentina. These remarkable statistics help explain why young players like Reijnders grew up idolizing the diminutive genius, considering him “the best player in the world.”
The story takes an interesting twist with Reijnders’ choice of dog breed. His Pomsky, a designer breed crossing a Pomeranian with a Husky, seems to share some characteristics with its namesake – both being relatively small in stature but packed with energy and agility. This detail, previously shared in an interview with Sempremilan, adds another layer of charm to the naming decision.
Reijnders’ gesture speaks to the lasting influence of sporting icons on personal lives beyond the field. While the midfielder now competes at the highest level himself, playing for one of Europe’s most storied clubs, his tribute to Messi through his pet’s name demonstrates how childhood admiration can manifest in unexpected and endearing ways.
The timing of this revelation is particularly poignant as Messi continues his career with Inter Miami in the United States, having moved away from European football but maintaining his status as a global sporting icon. His influence clearly transcends geographical boundaries and competitive arenas, reaching into the personal lives of both fans and fellow professionals.
This heartwarming anecdote from Reijnders offers a glimpse into the human side of professional football, where even established players maintain their connection to childhood dreams and sporting heroes. It serves as a reminder that behind the high-stakes world of professional football, players often harbor the same admiration for the game’s legends as any other fan.
As Reijnders continues to establish himself at AC Milan, his dog Messi serves as a daily reminder of the sporting excellence he aspires to achieve, carrying forward the inspiration drawn from watching one of football’s greatest ever players. The story resonates with fans worldwide who understand how sporting idols can influence not just their professional aspirations but also their personal choices.
