'Thai Messi' Chanathip, South-East Asia's new football ace, is making own name in Japan with Asia's top club

In this file photo taken on December 29, 2021, Thailand's Chanathip Songkrasin celebrates after scoring during the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 football final match between Indonesia and Thailand at the National Stadium in Singapore. - He is known as the "Thai Messi" and grew up idolising Diego Maradona -- now Chanathip Songkrasin is making his own name after joining one of Asia's top clubs. - AFP

TOKYO, April 15, 2022 (AFP): He is known as the "Thai Messi" and grew up idolising Diego Maradona -- now Chanathip Songkrasin is making his own name after joining one of Asia's top clubs.

The 159-centimetre (five foot two) attacking midfielder is a hero in Thailand, where he captains the national team and advertises everything from credit cards to energy drinks.