Lionel Messi has said it would be "a source of great pride" to meet United States president Barack Obama and his daughters after hearing they were big fans of his.
During a visit to Argentina, Obama revealed that his teenage daughters Malia and Sasha were desperate to meet the Argentina and Barcelona star.
The US president said his daughters are fans of the five-time winner of the Ballon D'Or award and have the 28-year-old in their sights.
"My daughters met Pope Francis," Obama is quoted on Barcelona's official website as saying. "And now they want to meet Messi, but I still haven't been able to set it up."
When asked about the president's comments, Messi insisted he would jump at the chance should the opportunity arise.
"Obviously, I was surprised that he said that, but on the contrary, for me it would be completely the opposite," Messi told Argentine sports channel TyC Sports.
"For me it would be a source of great pride to be able to meet him and his daughters, but obviously I know it would be complicated.
"I don't know whether it is possible. Maybe he made the comment because he was in Argentina but I can say I was as surprised as everyone else."