Adorable internet sensation refuses to leave Messi’s side

A tiny Afghan boy has provided the football world with one of the cutest moments ever seen at a game after meeting his hero, Lionel Messi.

Six-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi became an Internet sensational earlier this year when images of him wearing a replica Messi Argentina jersey made out of a plastic bag went viral.

Now Ahmadi’s wildest dreams have been realised after he was given the chance to meet the Barcelona star before a friendly match against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in Qatar.

The little fella was intent on making the most out of the once-in-a-lifetime experience, sticking to Messi like glue and refusing to leave the Argentine’s side.

The six-year-old, dressed in a kit that swam on his tiny frame, got to place the ball on the centre circle before racing over to stand by Messi’s side for the team photos.

But when the formalities concluded and it was time to take his place in the stands, the little guy was reluctant to part ways from his idol.

Messi and his Barcelona teammates were laughing at one another as the gorgeous youngster held his ground, before the referee picked him up and escorted him from the field.

You can’t blame Ahmadi for trying to milk the greatest experience of his young life for all it was worth, and in turn, providing a heartwarming prelude to a game of football.