In a touching display of respect and friendship, Achraf Hakimi approached Lionel Messi after their recent match to exchange shirts with his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate. The small but meaningful gesture reflected the strong bond the two players built during their time together at PSG, even though they now play for different teams.
Hakimi and Messi spent two seasons as teammates at PSG, where they were part of a squad filled with global stars. Now, Messi plays for Inter Miami, while Hakimi continues to shine for both PSG and the Moroccan national team. Despite going their separate ways, the respect between them remains strong. Their encounter on the field was less about competition and more about mutual admiration and lasting friendship.
As the match ended, and players greeted each other with handshakes and hugs, Hakimi walked over to Messi, smiling. Cameras captured the heartfelt moment when the Moroccan star asked for Messi’s jersey—a gesture typically reserved for players one holds in high esteem. Messi, known for his humility, gladly accepted, smiling as he handed over his shirt.
This exchange served as a powerful reminder of how football builds connections beyond rivalries, nationalities, and clubs. While matches are fiercely contested, mutual respect often stands above the competition. Fans around the world were touched by the moment, which quickly went viral on social media, with many describing it as a “beautiful moment in football.”
For Hakimi, this shirt swap wasn’t just a tradition—it symbolized his admiration for a football legend and a dear friend
