Tuesday was a day to remember for several youngsters who had the chance to meet their sports idols thanks to Make-A-Wish.
"I was so happy I started crying; it's just an amazing experience," said Yulissa Morales Melendrez, a Make-A-Wish participant.
WATCH BELOW: Make-A-Wish kids get dream opportunity to meet Lionel Messi
Several kids from around the country had the opportunity to meet the defending MLS Champs, Inter Miami, a moment Make-A-Wish participant Jimmy Hoover could only dream of.
"I was super excited. I was a little in shock. I didn't really know what to do; it was kind of all surreal to me," Hoover said.
Hoover said he's been playing soccer since he was 7 years old.
"I started playing and started watching (Lionel) Messi, and he became my favorite player right away," said Hoover.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hoover sat in the stands at Nu Stadium, watching his idol, Messi, and Inter Miami train.
It was a simple moment, yes, but a moment that nearly didn't happen.
"I was going in (to the hospital) for a couple of months, and they were telling me it was just a stomach ache," said Hoover.
Hoover and his family didn't think much of it until one day at his friend's house.
"My stomach w...