The Afghan boy with the plastic bag Lionel Messi shirt finally has the real thing – signed by the man himself

Five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi, from the Jaghori District, Afghanistan who shot to fame after photographs of him wearing a makeshift Leo Messi jersey has finally received real signed jersey from the Barcelona football star. Unicef Afghanistan shared the photos of Ahmadi showing off his brand new jersey and dribbling the ball on Facebook.

“I love Messi and my shirt says Messi loves me,” UNICEF quoted Murtaza as saying.

“Murtaza realized one of his biggest dreams today! He received team jerseys and an autographed football with a personal message from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Leo Messi. The right to play and practice sports promotes the well-being of all children, especially the most vulnerable trapped in emergencies around the world.

As of today, Murtaza Ahmadi can proudly show off the new signed jerseys and a football he received from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Leo Messi. Murtaza’s photo went viral after he was pictured wearing an Argentine National Team soccer jersey made from a plastic bag with ‘Messi’ and the number ’10’ penned on the back.

This year UNICEF is appealing for $2.8billion to reach 43 million children trapped in emergencies worldwide. Like so many other children, he has the same right to thrive, play, and practice sports.”