‘He showed me kindness’ – Harrison Afful on exchanging jerseys with Messi

The 37-year-old came face to face with the Argentina captain during the MLS Cup game between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Inter Miami romped to a commanding 4-0 victory over Afful and his teammates, with Messi getting on the score sheet in the 86th minute.

In the aftermath of the game, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner exchanged jerseys with Afful, who described the gesture as kind.

"I remember before the match started, Messi gave me a wink, and I winked back at him. I think as the game progressed, we somehow got attuned to each other's presence, given that I was playing as a left-back and my responsibility included marking him,” Afful said, as quoted by Ghanansoccernet.

“At some point during the match, I approached him for his jersey, and he agreed. After half-time, just before the second half began, we exchanged more winks, something that players often do. So, after the game, I approached him, and he kept his word."

He added: “Messi had the option to give his jersey to any player, but I suppose he showed me kindness.

“I can't predict what he intends to do with my jersey, but it's truly an honour to possess the shirt of one of the most exceptionally talented individuals to have graced the game."

Meanwhile, Afful currently combines his role as a player with working with the scouting department of Charlotte FC.