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News / News Bulletin

Young Messi fan flees Afghanistan amid threats

Wednesday, 04 May 2016 1:58 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 04 May 2016 5:13 PM ]

Five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi, an avid Lionel Messi fan from Afghanistan, poses in a signed jersey from the Argentinian soccer great on Feb. 26. The boy's father says the media coverage led to threats toward the family. © AP

Back in January, an Afghan boy became an Internet sensation after a photo of him wearing a homemade “Lionel Messi” jersey went viral.

He became an even greater celebrity after the Argentine super star sent him his two autographed jerseys and a signed ball. But the sudden fame has come at a price for the little one.

Murtaza Ahmadi and several members of his family had to flee Afghanistan after they received kidnapping threats against the five-year-old child.

The family is now living in the Pakistani city of Quetta and Murteza has been constantly followed by camera crews. He has brought his prized gifts of course and the original homemade T-shirt.

The boy’s father sees no future for his son there. But the five-year-old is very clear about where he wants to go. He would love to meet Messi.

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