Aime Mabika will square off against Argentine sensation Lionel Messi in the Major Soccer League Eastern Conference.
Now playing for Toronto FC, the defender has just missed out on the opportunity to be teammates with Messi following his transfer from Inter Miami CF in April.
The 24-year-old represented the David Beckham-owned outfit from 2021, making 17 top-flight appearances before his move worth over $100,000.
Since making his debut for Toronto FC against New England in May, Mabika has played every single minute of his side’s last seven matches.
Meanwhile, his former club has steered off competition from Saudi Arabia and FC Barcelona to sign diminutive playmaker Messi on a free transfer.
Having parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain after running out his 2-year contract, the World Cup winner has decided to take his magic to the USA.
RELATED ARTICLE: Messi reveals reasons behind Inter Miami move
Messi will not be playing in Europe for the first time since 2001, when he signed for FC Barcelona from Newell Old Boys in Argentina. The Catalan club has been left frustrated by his transfer to the US after struggling to meet the financial standing needed to register their former captain in their squad.
As it stands, spectators in the Major Soccer League will have a chance to witness the charisma and swagger that the former Parisian star carries. Of course, life will not get any easier for defenders in the USA, who are very aware of the Argentine’s attacking exploits.
Mabika vs Messi show awaits
Zambian defender Mabika who has just been issued a passport to play for the Chipolopolo will relish the opportunity to test his defensive prowess against the man who has a reputation for dismantling defenses.
Both stars will be plying their trade in the Eastern Conference division of the Major Soccer League this season.
RELATED ARTICLE: Mabika finally eligible to play for Zambia
Fans are excited about the prospect of the pair squaring up in the U.S.A. as Mabika will become the first Zambian to share the pitch with Messi in the top flight.
We could also see Messi and Mabika taking to the field against each other in their national team attire during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. This, however, depends on whether Lionel Messi will still be playing active football by then and whether Mabika will qualify with the Copper Bullets.
The center-back was included in the Zambian squad to face Ivory Coast in the AFCON qualifiers on June 17 and it remains to be seen if he will join camp in the coming days.
Many expect a mouth-watering encounter between Zambia and Ivory Coast in Ndola as the Chipolopolo fights for the point they need to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
