UNICEF confirmed on Thursday that Murtaza Ahmadi from Afghanistan had been sent a signed Argentina shirt by the World Player of the Year.
Murtaza captured the hearts of many after a photograph of him dressed in the blue-and-white top with Messi’s name written on it went viral in January.
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A signed Argentina jersey and a football from the Argentine star, were delivered to the young boy in the central province of Ghazni by the UN children’s agency, UNICEF.
“I love Messi and my shirt says Messi loves me,” Murtaza said upon receiving the 28-year-old’s gift.
Messi sent more than one shirt and a signed football, according to UNICEF.
The boy’s father, Mohammad Arif Ahmadi, said: “A woman from UNICEF got in contact with us and told us a couple of days ago that Murtaza might be receiving a package from Messi.
“He is very happy to receive the gifts.”