Leicester title triumph makes a poet of Messi

Lionel Messi spoke for the great and the good of world soccer, not to mention millions of grassroots fans, when he acclaimed Leicester City’s extraordinary Premier League triumph by tweeting: “The reason why we all love football. Congratulations"

Real Madrid's former Spurs player Gareth Bale, whose side are battling with Messi's Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the Spanish title, took a similar view.

"Gutted for @SpursOfficial but congrats to @LCFC, amazing season!! Love Football," the Welshman tweeted.

Leicester City won the English Premier League for the first time in the club's 132-year history after nearest challengers Tottenham Hotspur managed only a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea on Monday.