Six-year-old Afghan boy Murtaza Ahmadi, who had become an internet sensation after pictures of him a blue and white stripped plastic carrier bag with Messi’s name and jersey number went viral, finally met his hero, Lionel Messi on Tuesday. Murtaza’s shirt was made by his teenage brother Homayoun after his neighbour threw away grocery bags. Ahmadi had the privilege of walking down to the pitch with him before Barcelona’s friendly game against Qatar. The kid, who had become famous due to his plastic jersey was sent a real Argentina jersey by none other than Leo Messi earlier this year.

(Lionel Messi Twitter handle)
(Lionel Messi Twitter handle)

Barcelona had flown to Doha to play a friendly against Al Ahli on Tuesday. Messi was seen greeting his 6-year-old fan and invited him to walk to the pitch. Murtaza was filmed hugging the Barcelona captain in the tunnel before the match. He was also involved in the team photograph before kick off and placed the ball in the centre for the play to start. Although, Murtaza was so overwhelmed at Messi’s presence that he wouldn/t leave the field, and was seen being carried out by one of the referees.

The official Barcelona Twitter account posted a film of this experience on Tuesday evening. Leo Messi too went on hs official Twitter account and posted pictures and videos of the time he spent with Murtaza Ahamdi. Murtaza’s father had said at the time that he wanted his son to become the Messi of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Murtaza got to see Messi score a goal as Barcelona defeated Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in a 5-3 thriller.