Afghan boy who wore plastic bag 'Messi' shirt gets signed jersey from soccer star

A handout picture released by UNICEF on 25 February 2016 of five-year-old Afghan boy Murtaza Ahmadi, a young fan of FC Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi, posing with an Argentinian national soccer team jersey signed by Messi in Kabul, Afghanistan, 25 February 2016. Murtaza Ahmadi, who gained publicity after pictures emerged of him dressed in a striped plastic bag resembling Messi's national team jersey had his dream come true when he received a signed jersey and a ball from the Barcelona star on 25 February. The gifts were delivered to Murtaza Ahmadi in the central province of Ghazni by UNICEF. [Photo/IC]

Five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi has finally had his wish come true and received a signed Lionel Messi shirt.

The little Afghan boy captured people's hearts after a picture of him wearing a blue and white striped plastic bag as a football shirt went viral.

Messi who is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador saw the images of Murtaza trending on social media and contacted UNICEF to help identify him and make his dream of owning a real shirt come true.

"We can't even imagine buying the original Messi jersey. We just can't afford it so, to make my brother happy, I made a shirt out of that plastic bag for him." said Murtaza's older brother.

The family come from a remote village in the war-torn province of Ghazni in Afghanistan. Murtaza is just one in 43 million children to be trapped in emergencies worldwide.

The Barcelona legend sent the Argentina national team shirt and a FC Barcelona one, both signed with a special message saying “Con mucho cari?o, Leo” meaning “With much love, Leo” and also included a signed football with “Leo” written on it.

”I love Messi and my shirt says Messi loves me," Murtaza said, clearly thrilled with his gifts seen in these new pictures taken by Unicef proudly showing off the new signed jerseys and ball.