Footage of Lionel Messi's son Mateo destroying opposition while playing for Inter Miami U9s goes viral

Footage of Lionel Messi's son Mateo has emerged online showcasing his talents for Inter Miami's academy team.

The 8-year-old has a long way to go before carving a career like the one seen by his father but comparisons are already being made.

Messi's move to the States means we could see Mateo in the MLS to begin his career, following his switch back in 2023.

Scoring five goals in total in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Mateo's play style looks identical to that of father Lionel.

Weaving in and out of players, the youngster finds the net five times with ease and even copies his dad's iconic kiss celebration.

Seemingly preferring to use his right foot however has caused some confusion, although when you are capable of doing so with both like the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who cares?

Fans online have already began to hype up Messi Jr, with plenty of praise flying in.

"He's actually good. Not kidding. He's actually bagged the DNA," posted one user online.

"A right footed Messi? We really are in a simulation," added another.

"In the future it will be Messi Jnr vs Ronaldo Jnr," and it could well be, said @Princeutd1P.

"Wow, following in his dad's footsteps already future star for sure," praised another fan via social media.

Lionel of course began his career in Argentina before setting sail to Barcelona to become one of the world's best.

Spells at PSG and now in the US have followed, whilst it remains to be seen what awaits for his son.

The same can be said for fellow footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo and his son, Cristiano Jr.

Now with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the young Portuguese star is already attracting similar attention online.

Could the pair both face off against each other like their fathers have done for years and years? I guess only time will tell...