Real Madrid creative midfielder Isco, took the bold step of naming his Labrador, Messi.
Check out our gallery to see Messi and Isco together.
Due to the intensity of their rivalry, Real Madrid usually keep their distance when it comes to Barcelona affairs.
However, Isco, a huge admirer of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, told Goal's official website the reason for naming his dog, Messi.
"I named my dog 'Messi' because Messi is the best in the world, and so is my dog."
Predictably, after the name haunted him, the Los Blacos man was quick to accuse others of naming his dog after the Argentine star.
"I have to say, in my favour, that calling the dog Messi was more my brother and dad's idea than mine," he later said.
"I'm washing my hands with it [the naming of the dog], I'm a Madridsta and that's that. I don't walk him anymore, imagine me calling him Messi in the streets," he added.
Do you believe Isco's argument or do you think he is shifting the blame on others, in an attempt to hide his love and admiration for Lionel Messi?
