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Threats force young Messi shirt recipient from native Afghanistan

@UNICEFAfg / Twitter

The family of the 5-year-old boy who received a signed shirt from Lionel Messi have been forced to flee Afghanistan after repeated telephone threats, his father told Rahim Faiez from the Associated Press.

Murtaza Ahmadi became an internet sensation in January due to his homemade Argentina shirt with Messi's name and number daubed on it. When the Ballon d'Or winner became aware of the pictures being shared on social media, he sent a full Barcelona kit, signed Argentina shirt, and a football to his young fan.

Unfortunately, for fear of kidnapping and the safety of his loved ones, Murtaza's father, Mohammad Arif Ahmadi, moved his family to Quetta in neighbouring Pakistan. Attempts to stay in the capital of Islamabad failed due to the high cost of living.

"Life became a misery for us," Ahmadi said. "I sold all my belongings and brought my family out of Afghanistan to save my son's life as well as the lives of the rest of the family."

Various reports stated Messi would meet Murtaza in either Afghanistan, Spain, or a third country, but Mohammad said nothing materialised.

"Still, Murtaza hopes that one day he would be able to meet his hero, Messi," Ahmadi added.

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