As prolific Barcelona footballer, Lionel Messi, causes uproar in the world of football Dogs Trust Harefield has found a replacement forward that shares the same name and passion for the game.

Staff at Dogs Trust identified that two-year-old Messi is quite the talented player, giving the infamous goal maker a run for his money!

The rehoming centre is appealing for a loving home for the creative playmaker, after he arrived as a stray at the West London charity.

Unlike his Argentine namesake, Messi the mutt isn’t professional but he has been busy practicing his skills with his canine carers at the rehoming centre, hoping that he establishes himself as an integral player in someone’s life.

Richard Moore, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Harefield, said: “Messi is considered by many as the best player in the world and often rated in the sport as the greatest footballer of all time, and our very own Messi has scored just as highly with staff at Dogs Trust Harefield - we’re blown away by his four-legged footy skills!

“We hope he scores a home goal and ‘dribbles’ off to a loving home pronto.”

Aside from his passion for the game, excitable Jack Russell Terrier Messi loves meeting new people, as well as receiving fuss and attention.

Food is the way to this loveable chap’s heart, which will help with bond building and continued positive reward-based training.

Although he enjoys meeting canine chums, he would prefer to be the only pet in the home, with adopters who are around for most of the day.

Messi is seeking an active home, with children over the age of 12 years.

Anyone who thinks they are the perfect ‘match’ for Messi, please call the team at Dogs Trust Harefield on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk. 

The rehoming centre is located at Highway Farm House, Harvil Road, Uxbridge, UB9 6JW.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s leading dog welfare charity and has a network of 20 rehoming centres across the UK, and one in Ireland. The charity cares for nearly 15,000 stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs each year.