Murtaza Ahmadi
Five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi wears a shirt signed by Barcelona star Lionel Messi, as he plays football at the open area in Kabul, Afghanistan February 26, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

Lionel Messi’s recent headliner is just one more case of celebrities who choose to do something good with their fame. Earlier this month, a young Afghan boy named Murtaza Ahmadi won everyone’s heart after photos of him wearing a “Messi” shirt made with a plastic bag went viral. The five-year-old boy, who claims to be the soccer player’s number one fan, became an online sensation after his father and brother shared their heart-breaking story.

“He [Murtaza] asked me many times to buy a Messi shirt,” Arif Ahmadi told Daily Mail UK. “I couldn't provide for him. Later, his brother made him this plastic shirt and posted his photo on Facebook.” And that FB post surely paid off! Shortly after, the Ahmadi family received notice that Messi was interested in meeting the little boy.

Even though the date and time of the encounter are yet to be confirmed, the Argentine player has already sent the toddler a token of his appreciation via the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). On Friday, the youngster received an autographed jersey of his number idol.

“I love Messi, and my shirt says Messi loves me,” UNICEF told CNN were Murtaza’s words to describe on of the happiest moments in the toddle’s life. Scroll down to see more pictures of the boy sporting his gift as he shows his soccer skills in the fields of Afghanistan.

Murtaza Ahmadi
Murtaza Ahmadi shows a shirt signed by Barcelona star Lionel Messi before he starts playing football at the open area in Kabul, Afghanistan February 26, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani
Messi #1 fan
Five year-old Murtaza Ahmadi shows off his new autographed jersey. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani
Murtaza Ahmadi Barcelona Jersey
Lionel Messi's #1 fan plays football at the open area in Kabul, Afghanistan February 26, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.