LIONEL Messi won’t forget the first time he saw Evan Deasy showcase his world-class skills – he even posted a photo on Instagram with the Bandon teenager that had racked up 3.5 million likes this week.

For Evan, meeting one of the greatest players of all time was as surreal as you’d expect – even more so because the 18-year-old had just won the inaugural Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown in Miami in front of the Argentinian superstar.

‘When you put it like that, it doesn’t feel real at all,’ Evan laughs, back on West Cork soil after a weekend he’ll never forget.

‘It all happened so fast. Even after I won, there was no pause – straight into interviews, the crowd right around me, people calling. Next thing I know, I’m on stage shaking Messi’s hand!’

This photo of Evan Deasy (right) with Lionel Messi had racked up 3.5 million likes on Messi's Instagram page this week.

The Cobh Ramblers striker earned his place in Miami after coming through a qualifier in Dublin. Once he landed in Florida, he reached a new level – beating some of the best young talents in the world, including Timmy Abraham, brother of England and Besiktas striker Tammy Abraham, on his way to glory.

‘I think one-on-ones really suit me. I’m 6'3", strong, quick, and the game’s played in a tight, compact area – that helps,’ Evan explains.

‘Another big factor is my background. I grew up in America and played with two pro academies – New England Revolution and Hartford Athletic Youth Academy – mostly as a defender, either centre-back or left-back. Only when I moved to Ireland did I become a striker. That means I’ve experienced both sides. Most guys in this competition were attackers, all about flair, but I have the defensive instincts too. In Dublin I only conceded two goals, and in Miami maybe one. That defensive strength was crucial.’

Even Messi, who now calls Miami home, was impressed as Evan stormed to a 5-0 win in the final.

‘People have asked what it was like playing in front of Messi. Honestly, I wasn’t thinking about that. I was more worried about not losing in the first round,’ Evan says.

‘My mom, stepdad and dad were there. My mom and stepdad flew down from Connecticut – a three-hour flight – and my dad came from Ireland. I didn’t want to lose in the first round with them there.

‘Messi wasn’t even there for the early rounds – he came for the semis and the final. By then, I was confident and focused only on my opponents. But then looking back now, you realise – that’s Messi, that’s the GOAT. For many he’s the greatest footballer ever. And there I was on stage, him crowning me champion. It really is the stuff of dreams.’

So how does the tournament work?

‘In the round of 16 and quarter-finals it was up to three points. You scored if you netted a goal, but also if you defended successfully – a tackle, a block, or a save from the keeper. Semi-finals and final were up to five,’ Evan explains.

‘For me, the biggest thing was seeing my family again in America – I hadn’t seen them in nine months. Everything else was a bonus. I gave 100 percent and it worked out.’

Back home, it’s straight back to reality as Evan resumes life with Cobh Ramblers, who he signed for in January 2023.

‘I was the youngest in Miami by five years so it came at the perfect time, right at the start of my men’s career. I’ve been with Cobh since 15, made my debut at 16, and now I’m establishing myself,’ he says.

‘This experience will open doors. Part of why I came to Ireland was because it’s an easier pathway to Europe than from the US. Over there, unless you’re the number one, it’s hard to get noticed. Here, the opportunities are closer. Hopefully this puts me on the map. We’ll see. I’ll just take it day by day.’