PHOTO: Superstars Jose Bautista, Messi rub elbows for 1st time

Jose Bautista is having an eventful offseason.

While visiting the Ciutat Esportiva in Sant Joan Despi on Thursday, the Toronto Blue Jays right fielder - and Barcelona fan - had the chance to meet the players and give them some Jays-related gifts after their training session.

That included mingling with his favorite player - Lionel Messi.

(Photo courtesy of FC Barcelona)

Bautista made his love of Barca and Messi known during the Blue Jays' World Series run when he traded his own batting-practice jersey for a fan's Messi jersey.

Born in the Dominican, Bautista has had a long love affair with soccer. Though, he only started to support Barca a few years ago after discovering his familial Catalan roots.

The slugger is set to attend Saturday's El Clasico game between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and also Tuesday's Champions League match against AS Roma.