Topics: Lionel Messi, Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Champions League
Alphonso Davies finally got his hands on a Lionel Messi shirt after Bayern Munich's Champions League win over PSG, two-and-a-half years after the Argentine was "too upset" to swap jerseys.
The Canadian full-back was denied Messi's shirt back in August 2020, when Bayern knocked eight goals past Barcelona in a memorable Champions League quarter-final.
After that game at the Camp Nou, Davies failed in his pursuit of the ultimate souvenir. "I asked for it but I think he was a little bit upset," the left-back told BT Sport. "It's OK, next time hopefully."
But over 900 days later and the 22-year-old eventually managed to get the shirt he has always dreamed of.
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As you can see from the pictures below, Davies looked thrilled as he walked towards the Parc des Princes dressing room alongside teammate Thomas Muller.
Here's how fans reacted to the moment.
One said: "The best thing to happen in that game was Alphonso Davies getting Messi's shirt after three years," while another wrote: "Alphonso Davies getting Messi’s shirt is actually dope, he’s finally got it."
A third commented: "Alphonso Davies probably more happy to get Messi’s shirt than the win tonight."
Davies is a huge fan of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. When asked if he watched the Champions League growing up, the Canadian told a great story of a phone call with his father about Messi.
"I went to a football academy school, so every Wednesday or Tuesday, around 12:00 Edmonton time, we would watch it as a classroom." Davies told UEFA.
"All of the footballers were in there, cheering on whoever they wanted to win. It was amazing, and now being able to play in the Champions League, against one of my favourite players in the world [Lionel Messi], it's incredible. Honestly, I'm lost for words - a dream come true.
"My mum called me yesterday and then my dad hopped on the phone, and he was like: 'So you're playing against your favourite player, I see.' And I went: 'Yeah.' And then we both started laughing on the phone.
"Honestly we couldn't even believe it, because he knows that I looked up to Messi when I was younger, and now playing against him, it's really nice."
A goal from former PSG player Kingsley Coman handed Bayern Munich a crucial 1-0 win in Paris ahead of their Round of 16 second leg on March 6.
