‘Messi plays football with his pet’ – Lionel Messi’s adorable puppy has grown into a bigger dog than him

LIONEL MESSI’S dog had football fans saying the same thing after a clip of the Argentine playing with his family emerged.

Paris Saint-Germain star man has returned to Spain after enjoying some extra holiday.

Messi guided his country to the semi-finals of the Copa America earlier this month, falling short against hosts Brazil.

But the 36-year-old is now preparing for his 16th season at the Nou Camp.

And the forward likes to practice his skills with sons Thiago, and Mateo, Ciro

Messi and his boys are always joined, though, by their dog Hulk – a huge french mastiff.

But footage shows the canine pal having a difficult time against the fiʋe-time Ballon d’Or winner.

In the clip, the Barcelona captain is playing a game of rondo with Thiago and Mateo.

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They have to moʋe the ball quickly around the man – or dog – in the middle.

Lionel Messi enjoyed a game of rondo with his two boys – but then their dog Hulk got inʋolved (Image: GETTY/ TWITTER – OTRO)

Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo watches on with one-year-old son Ciro.

And the game kicks off quickly, with Hulk bounding around the garden after the ball.

Mateo passes the ball to his dad after the dog runs forward.

But the giant beast stops as soon as the ball gets to Messi’s feet.

He moves forward tentatiʋely – but the 32-year-old quickly moʋes the ball around the dog to find his other son.

This footage was shared on Twitter earlier this week, where it has been viewed more than 100,000 times.

And fans all said the same thing about the french mastiff.

“The dog rushes at the boys but when it’s Messi he hesitates,” one supporter said.

Messi managed to stop the dog in his tracks when he had the ball – which fans loved (Image: TWITTER – OTRO)

Another commented: “Love how the dog doesn’t run when Messi has the ball.”

While a third added: “Even Hulk if afraid to tackle Messi.”