Lionel Messi became only the second player Paulo Futre has ever asked for an autograph, according to the Portuguese legend himself.

Futre was on television duty in his native country as Benfica took on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

And he was able to witness Messi produce another sensational performance, scoring a beautiful goal during the 1-1 draw.

Messi GiveMeSport shop

But before the game, Futre had a mission. He wanted to ask the Argentine for an autograph - something he's only ever done once before with Diego Maradona.

And after doing so, the Atletico Madrid legend explained why.

He wrote: "Modesty aside, I've only seen two players who seemed much better than me. The two Argentines. Diego Maradona was the only player I asked for an autograph for me, when we shared a pitch in the World Cup in 1987. Today I have asked Leo Messi for the second."

Along with the tweet, Futre posted footage of the beautiful moment. It shows him talking to Messi, whilst he's seen holding up two fingers - perhaps telling him that he's only the second player he's asked for an autograph after Maradona.

Futre then gets Messi to sign an Atletico Madrid shirt with his name on the back before giving him a massive hug.

What a beautiful moment.

VIDEO: Futre asks Lionel Messi to sign his Atletico Madrid shirt

Who is Paulo Futre?

Futre had a career that spanned from 1983 to 1998.

He started at Sporting before a move to Porto where he won the European Cup in 1987. He also finished second in the Ballon d'Or that year. A move to Atletico Madrid followed where the winger played for six years, scoring more than 50 goals in 200 appearances.

Spells at Benfica, Marseille, Milan and West Ham followed before a return to Atleti at the end of his career.

For his country, Futre played 41 times and represented Portugal at the 1986 World Cup - where he shared a pitch with Maradona and asked him for an autograph.

It's a huge compliment to Messi that Futre wanted his autograph considering he comes from the country that produced Cristiano Ronaldo, while being an Atletico Madrid legend - the team Messi loved scoring against.

Paulo Futre and Lionel Messi

How has Messi played this season?

Messi, now 35, has been in incredible form this campaign.

He's scored eight goals and registered eight assists in 13 appearances in all competitions this campaign.

And with the superstar in this kind of form, you certainly wouldn't bet against Argentina winning the World Cup this winter. If they do, Messi may well cement himself as the greatest player of all time - something that Jamie Carragher would love to happen.