Afghan boy in plastic Messi shirt gets signed jersey from the player

A 5-year-old Afghan boy, whose pictures wearing a homemade Argentina shirt with No. 10 on the back became an internet sensation, received two autographed shirts and a signed football from Lionel Messi.

The father of five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi said they are eager to travel to Spain to meet the soccer great.

Mohammad Arif Ahmadi said Friday they want to thank Messi, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, in person.

Afghan soccer federation spokesman Ali Kazimi said they have prepared passports for the boy, his father and uncle to travel to Spain. He says they are waiting for a response about a meeting.

The boy, Murtaza Ahmadi, was photographed on Thursday wearing Messi's signed Argentina shirt at UNICEF'S office in Kabul.