(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MESSI'S OWNER, ALEKSANDR DMITRIEV, SAYING: "As much as I attached to him as much he is attached to me. In fact we have this very strong bond between each other. When for example ...

SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the basic rules of soccer. Now they are ardent fans and the transformation can only be attributed to Messi -- not ...

Aleksandr and Maria Dmitriev have spent the past five years as foster parents to an unusual pet - a male puma named Messi. Aleksandr and Maria Dmitriev have spent the past five years as foster parents ...

PENZA, Russia, April 16 (Reuters) - In the mornings, Aleksandr Dmitriev is woken by his pet cat Messi nuzzling against his neck. Messi loves having his fur combed, and bounding around batting at a ...