Some dreams just find their way to fruition. Idolizing your favorite player and then taking the field to play on the same pitch as them, is something that doesn’t happen all the time. But for New York Red Bulls rookie Peter Stroud, this is turning into exactly that.

Stroud would play soccer in his backyard in Chester, New Jersey, idolizing Leo Messi but never thought he’d be sharing the pitch with him in his twenties.

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For the youngster, this is an iconic moment. Stroud will, in all likelihood, be picked in midfield for the Red Bulls. But his excitement to take to the field with his idol is something he’s buzzing for.

According to this report on MSN, while speaking about playing against Messi, Stroud said, “He is the best player ever to play the game in my opinion, and I think a lot of people think the same.”

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Speaking about how he feels, Stroud elaborated, “Surreal is the best word to describe it, coming to this league and having a chance to play him. And then also getting to play him at home at Red Bull Arena is so special.”

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Further comparing Messi to the NBA greats, Stroud said, “I don’t even think you can relate him to Lebron [James] or MJ [Michael Jordan]. I think he is the best athlete in the world — ever. He is just like a superhuman.”

This comes as no surprise, especially after Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar last year, cementing his place as one of the greats, just like Diego Maradona. Meanwhile, Peter Stroud made his debut in February 2023 and signed a contract with MLS club New York Red Bulls up to the 2025 season with an option to extend up to 2026 and 2027.

Stroud looking to make a mark as parents remain excited

For Stroud’s parents, this is an exciting moment. Speaking about her son sharing the field with Messi, Stroud’s mother Karen said, “It’s unbelievable. My husband and I are just over the moon about Saturday. To see them both on the same field, you never ever thought it would ever happen. It is going to be very exciting,”

Messi and Inter Miami’s next game is at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday night. This comes after the franchise’s first trophy win in the Leagues Cup. But if all eyes will be on the Argentine legend come Saturday, perhaps there could be some who would pay close attention to the young Stroud in the middle of the park.

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