AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has revealed that his lifelong admiration for Lionel Messi inspired him to name his pet dog after the Argentine football icon.
The Netherlands international, who has enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Rossoneri since joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, said the decision was made long before he even owned a dog.
Softfootball understands Reijnders shared the story during an interview with All About Argentina.
My dog’s name is Messi. When I was young I always said if I got a dog I would name him Messi because, for me, he is the best player in the world,”
Reijnders said.
The midfielder’s comments underline his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, whom he considers the greatest footballer of all time.
Reijnders’ pet is a Pomsky, a crossbreed between a Pomeranian and a Husky, a detail he had previously disclosed in an interview with SempreMilan.
While continuing to shine for AC Milan, Reijnders has never hidden his appreciation for Messi, with his dog’s name serving as a lasting tribute to the Argentine legend.
