Lionel Messi has awarded Almoez Ali a signed Barcelona shirt after being impressed by his nine goals at the Asian Cup to inspire Qatar to glory.
Ali was the top scorer at the tournament, including one in the final to help Felix Sanchez Bas’ side beat Japan 3-1 for their first Asian Cup.
The 2022 World Cup hosts pulled off a shock with Ali’s nine goals the most at a leading Asian continental tournament.
And Ali received the surprise gift of a home Barcelona shirt with “Almoez” and No 19 on the back.
The Sudan-born forward’s highlight was his acrobatic strike in the final, which took him past Iran’s Ali Daei and a 23-year record.
The present was awarded to Ali during a show on BeIN Sport by presenter Ayman Jada.
Ali retweeted a picture of his prized possession and will now return to club action under new manager and former Manchester United assistant Rui Faria.
Al-Duhail are next in action on February 16, at home to Al-Sailiya.
