Football fan Murtaza Ahmadi came face to face with his hero Lionel Messi during Barcelona’s 5-3 victory over Saudi side Al-Ahli in Doha.

Messi and Ahmadi, the youngster from Afghanistan who became famous for being photographed playing football wearing a homemade plastic Argentina number 10 shirt was invited to the game in the Al-Gharrafa Stadium by the Qatari hosts.

Prior to the encounter between Saudi side Al-Ahli and Barca, the young football fan met Messi in person at a ‘Meet&Greet’ event at the team’s hotel.

In the video, the Afghan boy accompanied Leo Messi and his teammates out onto the field at the Al-Gharrafa Stadium.

Ahmadi is seen squeezing his idol’s hand tight as the teams emerged from the tunnel and after having his photo taken with the superstar.

The video shows the youngster being reluctant to the leave the side of his hero, much to the delight of the Barca players. In the end, Murtaza was escorted off the field by the match referee.

WATCH: Murtaza Ahmadi joins Barca in Doha