Real Madrid signs 7-year-old Argentine prospect Leo

MADRID (AP) � Real Madrid has signed a seven-year-old soccer prospect from Argentina, who goes by the name Leo.

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  By Dominique Faget, AFP/Getty Images

  Real Madrid's players take part in a training session in Madrid on July 26.

By Dominique Faget, AFP/Getty Images

Real Madrid's players take part in a training session in Madrid on July 26.

Leonel Angel Coira has signed with the Spanish club and will begin training Sept. 6, Madrid spokesman Juan Tapiador tells The Associated Press.

Argentine sports daily Ole reported last week that Coira had become the youngest player signed by Madrid but Tapiador said he is not.

Coira told Ole that his idol was Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi, who also goes by the name Leo. Coira says he prefers "to provide the pass" than to score.

Ole reports Madrid, the world's biggest club, made the push to sign Coira with Spanish league rival Atletico Madrid also pursuing the youngster.

Barcelona signed Messi from the Argentine club Newell's Old Boys as a teenager and he has gone on to win the World Player of the Year award two times. He also has helped Barcelona win 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles and five Spanish league championships.

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