Messi Facebook page draws over 6 million

Following tens of millions of other social media fans worldwide, Barcelona midfield star Lionel Messi set up a Facebook page on Wednesday.

In contrast to his electronic peers, however, within just a few hours his page had attracted more than six million followers.

Such popularity warranted a speedy response from the Argentina international.

"Welcome to everyone and thanks for all the messages you have been sending me. Now we shall be closer with Facebook," said the two-time world footballer of the year, whose followers come from all corners of the globe.

Messi, 23, was later hoping to help propel Barcelona towards the Champions League semi-finals with Barca taking on Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk at the Nou Camp Wednesday.

Assuming the three-time winners advance they will likely face La Liga rivals Real Madrid, 4-0 up from their first leg with Tottenham - a semi-final which will doubtless attract a welter of further posts from player and fans alike.

(c) 2011 AFP