'Thank you GOAT!' - Pizzeria visited by Lionel Messi sees huge boost in sales as customers form long queues after Inter Miami star's endorsement

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked more lively debate on social media – not for the first time in his career – when posting an image of the meal he had acquired from a local eatery now that he is plying his club trade at Inter Miami.

Messi posted “thank you @bancheromiami” alongside a photo of his pizza choice – which delivered a mixed response, to say the least. While some have questioned the Argentine’s takeaway habits, crowds are flocking to the same eatery in a bid to savour some of the delights being enjoyed by a legendary figure from the world of football.

Banchero have posted on Instagram – while changing their bio to “Lionel Messi’s favorite pizza!” - an image of punters forming a lengthy queue just to get through the door. They said: “Corner of 71st and Collins Ave - look at it! Thank you to everyone for choosing us.” They accompanied that post with a goat emoji – in a nod towards Messi being the greatest of all-time – and a “thank you forever” message.

Messi has been mocked by members of the public and professional rivals over his pizza pick, with Atlanta United trolling the 2022 World Cup winner with an edited version of his now infamous post after claiming a 5-2 victory over Inter Miami in MLS – a game that Messi did not figure in due to being rested.