Real Madrid have signed a seven-year-old football prospect from Argentina, who also happens to go by the name Leo.

Leonel Angel Coira has signed with the Spanish giant and will begin training on 6 September, Madrid's spokesman Juan Tapiador confirmed.

Last week, Coira told Argentinian sports daily Ole that his idol was Lionel Messi, the Barcelona forward who is also Argentinian 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 Atlético Madrid were 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.