Item 1 of 3 Aleksandr Dmitriev plays with his family pet Messi, a two-year-eight-month-old cougar, in the town of Penza, Russia June 21, 2018.

This adorable footage shows a couple, from Penza, Russia who have a pet puma. The pair 'fell in love' with the animal when they saw the three-month-old wild cat at their local zoo.

Because of his early health problems, Messi is smaller than the average puma and has never shown any aggression towards humans. But Dmitriev knows the danger his pet could pose.

Because of his early health problems, Messi is smaller than the average puma and has never shown any aggression towards humans. But Dmitriev knows the danger his pet could pose.

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 Argentina's World Cup captain ...

Aleksandr and Maria Dmitriev have fostered the male puma for five years (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MESSI'S OWNER, ALEKSANDR DMITRIEV, SAYING: "As much as I attached to him as much he is attached to me. In ...

Now they are ardent fans and the transformation can only be attributed to Messi -- not Argentina's World Cup captain but a pet puma. Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the ...

Russia's Messi, a puma - star in his own right SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the basic rules of soccer.

Maria, 28, and the 38-year-old Aleksandr are both psychologists by education and fell in love at first sight of Messi at the Penza zoo when he was a sickly eight-month old cub. HOME MAIL ...

By Sudipto Ganguly SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Barely 20 months ago a Russian couple were oblivious of the basic rules of soccer. Now they are ...