Inspired by Messi, driven by mum – how Iorpenda earned his place at Wembley

Inspired by Messi, driven by mum – how Iorpenda earned his place at WembleyImage source, ShutterstockImage caption, Tom Iorpenda has been with Notts County on loan from Huddersfield Town this seasonByAndrew AloiaBBC Sport, East MidlandsPublished1 hour agoFootage of Lionel Messi's Wembley masterclass that took Barcelona to Champions League glory against Manchester United in 2011 is something Tom Iorpenda has watched on repeat for years.For the 21-year-old, it is the definition of greatness on England's grandest stage.And it is the first thing the London-born Notts County midfielder thinks of when asked about what it would mean to play at the national stadium on Monday. The Magpies face Salford City in the League Two play-off final – the opposition being a club with strong links to that Manchester United team through the stakes held by members of the Class of '92."Watching Messi and knowing what he did on that pitch and now thinking I'm about to go and play on the same pitch is definitely exciting for me," Iorpenda told BBC Sport."I still watch it back to this day. I just love Messi."Any game at any level in that stadium gets lots of exposure, and I think it's just a great opportunity."Notts County edge Chesterfield in League Two play-offsChopping trees and country music - how Paterson will prepare for WembleyPublished5 days agoSurreal honour to get Notts to Wembley - BelshawPublished4 days agoMessi was just a little older than what Iorpenda is now when he dazzled for Pep Guardiola's Barca in the that famous 3-1 win against the Red Devils 15 years ago.Iorpenda does not bring up the eight-time Ballon d'Or-winning Argentine in way of comparison, although the way the Magpies midfielder swivelled near the halfway line then nutmegged an opponent as he set off on a solo run to score Notts County's goal of the season, external against Cheltenham was the most Messi-esque moment in England's fourth division....