Real Madrid sign seven-year-old Argentine

Leonel Angel Coira says his idol is fellow Argentine Leo Messi (AP)

Real Madrid has signed a seven-year-old football prospect from Argentina, who also happens to go by the name Leo — just like his idol Lionel Messi.

Leonel Angel Coira signed with the Spanish club and will begin training on September 6, Madrid spokesman Juan Tapiador told The Associated Press today.

Last week, Coira told Argentine sports daily Ole that his idol was Messi, the Barcelona forward who is also Argentine and goes by the name Leo. Coira said he prefers "to provide the pass" rather than score.

He already has a Facebook page featuring photos of his visit to Real Madrid.

Madrid reportedly made the push to sign Coira because Spanish league rival Atletico Madrid was also pursuing the youngster.

Barcelona signed Messi from Argentine club Newell's Old Boys as a teenager and he has gone on to win the World Player of the Year award two times and has helped Barcelona win 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles and five Spanish league championships.